A Grizzly Giant: Zach Edey’s Journey from the Paint to the Perimeter
Standing at an imposing 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, Zach Edey is more than just another rookie prospect for the Memphis Grizzlies; he is a massive presence looking to redefine his role on the basketball court. Edey, known primarily for his dominance in the paint, is embarking on an ambitious journey under the tutelage of Coach Taylor Jenkins, who envisions a transformation from a traditional center to a player with perimeter skills.
An Emphasis on Evolution
Taylor Jenkins, recognized for his developmental acumen, is keen on nurturing Edey’s growth beyond his natural habitat in the paint. "He's been pouring in the work. Pre-practice, post-practice, he's coming in at night shooting," Jenkins remarked, highlighting the young center’s dedication. For Edey, who has only successfully banked one of the two 3-pointers he attempted in his four-year college basketball career, the challenge is formidable. Yet, Jenkins remains optimistic. "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," he added, portraying a vision wherein Edey can freely explore this new aspect of his game.
Building from the Inside Out
Zach Edey's stature and skillset naturally lend themselves to an inside game, which he fully understands and embraces. "I’m a 7-foot-4, 300-pound guy. I’m built to be in the paint, to carve out space, to protect my area, and that's what I'm going to keep doing," Edey stated with assurance. However, the Grizzlies’ ambition to expand his repertoire is evident in their tactical approach ahead of the preseason opener against the Dallas Mavericks.
While comparisons to towering talents like former Memphis center Jonas Valančiūnas and Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez abound, Edey sees a unique role for himself. "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," he expressed with a mix of ambition and humor. This self-awareness and willingness to adapt demonstrate Edey’s determination to transcend traditional positional boundaries.
The Shooting Challenge
During an open practice, Edey joined forces with teammate Luke Kennard against peers Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia in a shooting contest. While the duo suffered a defeat, the exercise underscores the ongoing efforts to push Edey’s shooting capabilities. "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 claimed. This belief is integral as he seeks to transition his skills to the perimeter under the strategic guidance of Coach Jenkins.
Path to Potential
In Memphis, a city rich with basketball history and ambition, Edey’s journey represents more than just personal development; it reflects the Grizzlies' strategy to harness and adapt the evolving dynamics of modern basketball. The imminent matchup with the Mavericks serves as an early test for Edey’s burgeoning perimeter skills. However, the ultimate measure of success lies not just in immediate execution but in the potential Edey holds to transform his game and, consequently, the tactical options available to the Grizzlies.
As the season unfolds, Zach Edey remains a player to watch, not merely for his physical presence but for his willingness to rewrite the narrative of what a big man can accomplish on the court. With a combination of hard work, adaptability, and a supportive coaching staff, Edey’s development could soon be a blueprint for how the league views towering centers of the future.