Zach Edey injury update: Grizzlies coach makes major announcement on rookie's return
Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins has provided the latest injury update on rookie Zach Edey. The Rookie of the Year candidate has been out since Nov. 17 after injuring his left ankle in a 105-90 win over the Denver Nuggets. He's missed six games since. While Edey could miss a few more, he could return soon.
According to Jenkins, Edey will begin his ramp-up at the end of this week or early next week. In his absence, the Grizzlies have racked up five wins in six games, with others like Ja Morant and Marcus Smart returning. The Western Conference playoff contenders are slowly turning healthy, and Edey's return could be the cherry on top.
The former Purdue prospect played a key role early in the season when Memphis had multiple players sidelined. He started nine out of 14 games, averaging 11.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks on 61.0% shooting.
If the 7-foot-4 center makes a comeback soon, the Grizzlies will get another 10+ ppg scorer back and improved interior defense. This only amplifies their chances of stringing a lengthy winning run and keeping the momentum going.
Zach Edey reminds Shaquille O'Neal of traditional bigs
The NBA is a 3-point-heavy league, and not many centers score like traditional bigs in the post. However, Zach Edey has exemplified that skill set in his young NBA career. It caught legendary Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal's eye, who claimed he was 'proud' of the Grizzlies prospect.
"I watched Zach Edey the other day," Shaq said on his show, "The Big Podcast."
"Drop stepping and he's doing a lot of jump hooks. It actually made me feel proud."
Meanwhile, former Heat player and current executive Alonzo Mourning said Miami "loved" Edey's workout. He hailed Edey's commitment to improving his craft and praised his ability to carry out the role of a big by doing things like setting hard screens, rolling to the rim and being a dominant paint presence.
Zach Edey's critics weren't too big on his instant impact. However, he's proven them wrong in the early stages. While he still has a long way to go before becoming a polished player, he's got the foundation to build on it and deliver as expected in a limited role.