While it’s still early in his return, Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey has made notable noise in the six games he’s played this season.
It’s reaching that point where he’s becoming, well, undeniable.
Big player, big numbers
The 7’4 center, who checks in at nearly 300 pounds, remains a rebounding machine, pulling in 8.8 per night in just 23.5 minutes per outing.
He’s also upped his scoring from nine to twelve points per game, and his efficiency (70.1 TS%) is through the roof.
Edey is, not surprisingly, taking a ton of his shots – 58.1% of them in fact – within three feet of the basket, at which he’s converting them at a 72% clip.
Something to take note of is the fact that, early on, he’s not being asked to create as a post player, but rather is functioning more as a play finisher, being assisted on over 88% of his made field goals, compared to 63% last year.
It’s the right way to play him, as going to a significant number of post-ups will milk the clock, limit ball-movement, and frankly make the Grizzlies easier to defend.
By having Edey react, when the ball comes his way, means far more offensive movement for the Grizzlies, and defenses will have to immediately react to the center going up with shots, which is far easier said than done.
What’s next?
With uncertainty hovering around the future of Ja Morant, and to some extent Jaren Jackson Jr, the Grizzlies seemingly have two weapons, in the form of Edey and Cedric Coward, who should be considered long-term pieces.
Neither player is one you build around, but both can be built with, and while there’s a distinction, it’s an asset.
For Edey, it’s all about figuring out avenues to further improve. We’re seeing the efficiency bump this year, as well as the sharper touch from the line, but what comes after that?
He’s sporadically experimenting with the three-point shot, which would be an interesting weapon, but at the same time, he’s just so big and forceful around the basket, you don’t want him out taking deep shots without just cause.
Perhaps, then, it becomes a question of further strengthening the areas in which he’s already strong, in an attempt to become utterly elite at it.
That means becoming not just a great play finisher, but rather reaching a point where he’s among the top few options in the league.
With his rebounding – and sheer size which is used as defensive deterrence – already in place, the path towards excellence seems to be clear.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
