Grizzlies' New Giant: Zach Edey's Transition from Paint Dominance to Perimeter Threat
As the Memphis Grizzlies prepare for their upcoming preseason match against the Dallas Mavericks, all eyes are on their newest prospect, Zach Edey. Standing at an imposing 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, Edey embodies the classic image of a dominant center. Yet, the Grizzlies have ambitious plans for him that extend far beyond his towering physical presence.
A Giant's Journey Begins
Edey's college basketball career was characterized by his dominance in the paint, a place where his size and strength ensured he was a constant threat. When reviewing his statistics, it's evident Edey was not one to venture beyond the arc, with only two attempts at three-pointers in his four-year college stint. One of those, however, was successfully banked, hinting at an untapped potential that the Grizzlies are eager to explore.
Coach Taylor Jenkins is at the forefront of this development, keen to transition Edey from a traditional center to a more versatile player who can confidently step out to the perimeter. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," Jenkins noted, showing confidence in Edey's potential. Jenkins is laying the foundation for Edey to evolve into a player who, like Milwaukee's Brook Lopez, can space the floor effectively.
Shifting the Center of Attention
The comparisons to Lopez are not accidental; they reflect a strategic pivot for Edey, one that aligns with modern NBA trends where the need for flexible, floor-spacing big men is paramount. However, Edey views his role slightly differently. "Yeah, like, Lopez has to space the floor because they've got Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. On this team, I'm the Giannis, and people space around me," Edey explains with a touch of humor and a nod to his potential impact on the court.
For Jenkins, it’s not just about having Edey shoot beyond the arc; it’s about broadening his overall game intelligence. "I think I just want the game and the decision-making to come to him... I want him to feel like he has the green light," Jenkins elaborates. This emphasis on autonomy and decision-making is fitting for a player transitioning from a paint-dweller to a multifaceted threat.
A New Contender Takes Shape
His transformation isn't solely based on strategy or coaching aspirations; Edey himself has long been an advocate for expanding his shooting range. "I've always said I can shoot. Like, you see it from the free throw line. Obviously, I haven't gotten those in-game reps up and it's going to be a process, but I've always believed I can shoot," Edey confidently asserts. This self-belief is crucial, as it drives the effort he puts into his pre-practice and post-practice routines.
Through this transition, Edey finds himself drawing comparisons to former Memphis center Jonas Valančiūnas due to his commanding paint presence. Yet what sets Edey apart is his determined effort to evolve beyond set expectations and reveal a versatile side of his gameplay.
Team Dynamics and Early Challenges
His integration with the team was on full display during an open practice shooting contest, where he partnered with Luke Kennard. Despite losing the contest to teammates Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia, Edey’s mere participation signals his commitment to integrating these new skills under competitive conditions.
As Memphis prepares for a high-intensity preseason, the transition of Zach Edey underscores the Grizzlies’ strategic outlook—one that doesn’t just rely on the old-school strengths but also embraces a modern interpretation of basketball roles. With coaches like Taylor Jenkins at the helm, mentoring Edey through this evolution, the spotlight is firmly on how well Edey can adapt and thrive in his new role.
The coming months will reveal whether Zach Edey’s transformation can become a defining narrative for the Grizzlies, possibly positioning him as a unique asset capable of altering game dynamics on both ends of the floor.