NBA Draft (June 26)
“Big Maple” is officially in the NBA.
The Memphis Grizzlies selected Canadian Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in the Draft on Wednesday.
Edey, 22, was a two-time National Player of the Year with Purdue. The Toronto native averaged 25.2 points and 12.2 rebounds on 62.3 per cent field goal shooting as a senior, leading the Boilermakers to their first Final Four appearance since 1980.
Entering the day, Memphis made it clear they were in search of a centre. Reports indicated they were targeting two-time National champion Donovan Clingan, but when trade talks with Charlotte at No. 6 stalled moments before the Hornets selected Tidjane Salaun, the Grizzlies opted for the Edey.
The Canadian was mocked all over the first round, seemingly everywhere between the top five to the 30th pick. He’ll now join a core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. — along with veterans Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose and prospects GG Jackson and Ziaire Williams.
In 2023, Memphis went through a down year finishing 27-55 — largely due to a 25-game suspension for Morant to open the season and a season-ending injury nine games into his return. Things only went further downhill after Bane and Smart both missed 42 and 60 games, respectively, due to injuries as well. They missed the postseason for the first time in four seasons as a result.
When fully healthy, and with Edey, Memphis looks primed to return to the form that saw them win over 50 games in back-to-back seasons prior to 2023.
The Grizzlies ranked 24th in total rebounds last season in the NBA and 27th in defensive boards — adding the seven-foot-four Canuck will surely change that come next season.
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