In Photos: Zach Edey looks casual in white tee and grey sweatpants for Grizzlies debut in Summer League
Zach Edey told reporters after he was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies that he couldn’t wait to show his worth. Most scouts wondered about how Edey’s game, which is a traditional big man’s style, would translate in the NBA. The former Purdue superstar took the criticism in stride and only vowed to work to silence his doubters.
On Monday, the No. 9 pick of this year’s draft was ready for his Summer League debut, his first step in proving what he can do versus NBA-level competition. He likely kept his emotions in check ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies game against the Utah Jazz.
The two-time National Collegiate Player of the Year came in dressed like it was all part of his everyday work:
A white T-shirt, grey sweatpants and black shoes did not make Zach Edey stand out. It was his 7-foot-4 frame that made him tower over everybody. The 6-foot-9 GG Jackson who walked behind him looked much smaller than he was.
Edey, like his teammates, didn’t get dressed up for the Summer League game. They had on what would normally be what they would have leading into practices or scrimmages. The fans who saw them probably hoped they’d play better than how they looked.
Zach Edey turned heads not with his fashion but with his game
Zach Edey lined up for a jump ball against Utah Jazz starting center Walker Kessler, the player most scouts compared him to. Walker, who is seven-foot, looked smaller when he stood beside the Memphis Grizzlies’ lottery pick.
Edey’s frame wasn’t the only thing that turned heads in his Summer League debut. He did not wear anything special before the game but had an impressive night. The two-time Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award winner filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks.
Zach Edey’s tip-in off a missed free throw forced the game into overtime. He also made the shot over Walker Kessler who desperately tried to keep him off the boards without avail. Edey put on a much better display than some thought he would.
The Memphis Grizzlies lost 97-95 and it was only a Summer League game but Edey is making fans and analysts take notice. Memphis, which largely received poor to average grades for drafting the big man, may have found its center of the future.
The Grizzlies traded Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets last season. They will be hoping he ends up having a much better career than the team’s former strongman.