Zach Edey: NBA Draft Profile, Stats & Highlights
Zach Edey is a Canadian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Standing at 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 meters) and weighing 300 pounds (136 kg), Edey is the tallest player in the league. He was selected by the Grizzlies with the 9th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft .(Diario AS, talkSPORT)
Edey played college basketball for the Purdue Boilermakers, where he had an outstanding career. He was named the consensus National Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024, becoming the first player since Ralph Sampson to win back-to-back honors . Over his college career, Edey scored over 2,500 points and grabbed more than 1,300 rebounds . His dominance in the paint and efficient scoring made him a standout player in college basketball.(NBA, New York Post)
NBA Combine Measurements
At the 2024 NBA Combine, Edey showcased his physical attributes:(Bleacher Report)
- Height: 7’3.75″ (2.22 meters)
- Weight: 299 lbs (135 kg)
- Wingspan: 7’10.75″ (2.40 meters)
- Standing Reach: 9’7″ (2.92 meters)
- Max Vertical Leap: 31.5 inches (0.80 meters)
- Lane Agility: 11.19 seconds
- Shuttle Run: 3.01 seconds
- Three-Quarter Sprint: 3.42 seconds(Bleacher Report)
These measurements highlight Edey’s impressive size and athleticism for a player of his stature .(Bleacher Report)
Playing Style and Strengths
Edey is known for his exceptional interior presence. His size allows him to dominate in the post, using effective hook shots and drop-steps to score efficiently around the basket. He also excels at setting solid screens, which helps free up teammates for open shots. Defensively, Edey is a formidable shot blocker, averaging 2.2 blocks per game in college .(louisianahoops.com)
Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement
Despite his strengths, Edey faces challenges in the NBA. His lateral quickness and foot speed are areas of concern, especially in defending against faster, more agile opponents. Additionally, his ability to switch on defense and defend in space will be tested at the professional level .
Highlights and Impact
Edey’s college highlights include dominating performances in the NCAA Tournament and leading Purdue to the national title game. His ability to control the glass and protect the rim made him a key player for the Boilermakers. In the NBA, he has continued to impress, leading the Grizzlies in rebounds and contributing significantly to the team’s success .(New York Post, talkSPORT)
Conclusion
Zach Edey is a unique talent in the NBA, combining size, skill, and basketball IQ. While he faces challenges in adapting to the professional game, his potential is undeniable. As he continues to develop, Edey has the opportunity to become a dominant force in the league.
