"Making sure people feel me": Draft prospect Zach Edey reveals how he can make an immediate impact in the NBA
Zach Edey will be one of the biggest names to watch out for in June for the 2024 NBA Draft in New York. The former Purdue star was unquestionably the best men’s collegiate player in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Although his team lost to UConn in the championship, Edey was dominant throughout the competition.
As good as the Canadian was, many have been skeptical about how his game would translate in the NBA. He isn’t the “modern” big man who could space the floor. Edey took two shots from behind the arc during his days with the Boilermakers. He has the traditional center’s game under his belt when teams consider drafting him.
Zach Edey had this to say about how he could immediately contribute to the team that picks him:
“Playing in the paint, that’s my game. Being a physical presence, hitting people, making sure people feel me, getting rebounds, protecting the paint, posting up. Depends on what teams need me to do. … I’m always gonna try to do what impacts winning.”
Edey’s description of his game is nearly what scouts have been saying about him all along. He does not have the versatility to play another position, which will likely limit his minutes and impact. But, he will be a force to be reckoned with in certain situations. The 7-for-3 behemoth will be a headache in the shaded lane on both ends of the floor.
Zach Edey, however, struggled when forced to switch to wings and guards. That could turn out to be a big issue in his NBA career despite showing surprising agility in the Draft Combine.
Zach Edey comparisons in the NBA
Andrew Bogut, the No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, is an interesting comparison. Had Zach Edey been eligible 20-25 years ago, he might have been somebody's first choice over any player. The two share some similarities in how they play the game.
Bogut wasn’t the most mobile big man but he made up for it with his anticipation, smarts and physical tools. The Australian was a perennial All-Defense team member and a solid rebounder. He was limited offensively as he hardly took shots outside. But, he was a bruising physical presence on the low blocks on offense with his screens, rolls and post-up moves.
A more current comparison for Zach Edey seems to be Jonas Valanciunas of the New Orleans Pelicans. Edey has arguably a more polished inside game already but doesn’t have Valanciunas outside shot. Like the veteran big man, the former Purdue star will battle for rebounds, patrol the paint and be a key part of a supporting cast.