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Is Zach Edey a Cornerstone for the Memphis Grizzlies?
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- Is Zach Edey a Cornerstone for the Memphis Grizzlies?
Is Zach Edey a Cornerstone for the Memphis Grizzlies?
(Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies are counting on forward Cameron Boozer to be a cornerstone player, and guard Cedric Coward isn't far from the same status. Is big man Zach Edey a cornerstone?
The fact that it's even a question should be a compliment to Edey. He had no shortage of doubters coming into the 2024 NBA draft. When the Grizzlies picked him with the ninth pick, some saw it as a reach. If his sophomore performance was any indication, it may have been closer to a steal.
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But there's a catch.
Grizzlies' Edey Must Stay on the Floor
Edey's counting stats were impressive. He averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 63.3% from the field. Memphis outscored opponents by 18.3 points per 100 possessions with Edey on the floor and lost by 8.1 with him off it, the widest on-off swing in the league.
He's an unstoppable force in the pick-and-roll. Edey is one of the biggest men in the NBA.
Which, unfortunately, might be part of the problem.
If you're reading this, you likely know the rest. Those stats came over 11 games. Edey sustained a stress reaction in his left ankle on Dec. 11, had surgery in March, and sat out the rest of the year.
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This was part of the predraft concern. Edey is massive. He may be unsustainably big. Guys this size have a long, well-documented history of getting injured.
Yet, durability is a must for any NBA player. It almost goes without saying. For argument's sake, let's assume Edey can get right.
Can he be a cornerstone in Memphis in that case?
Grizzlies' Future Is Uncertain
It's possible.
It partly ties to Boozer's defensive outcome. The projections are mixed. If he's a liability, the Grizzlies may need a quicker-footed five to handle switches. If Boozer is solid, having Edey in deep drop coverage could actually maximize the Grizzlies' defense schematically.
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Offensively, Boozer is expected to space the floor, so Edey's limited shooting shouldn't be a huge issue. The two could even run some interesting 4-5 pick-and-roll actions. With Edey's ability to finish with elite efficiency, those could be high-value plays. Moreover, this duo could dominate the glass, which is becoming an increasingly popular strategy around the league.
There's a world where Edey and Boozer thrive together. It may even be more likely than not — from a basketball perspective. So, we circle back to the original issue.
Edey needs to stay healthy.
If he can't, it doesn't matter what kind of chemistry the frontcourt duo develops. Edey can't help if his body is failing him. There's no advice in this article. All Grizzlies fans can do is keep their fingers crossed for the big man's good health.
Otherwise, they may only have two cornerstone players.
