"An anchor for us on the defensive side" - Grizzlies coach highlights Zach Edey's strengths amid Memphis facing backlash for draft pick

Several fans were low on the Memphis Grizzlies decision to draft Purdue center Zach Edey with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 draft. However, the Grizzlies' head coach expressed support for the 7-foot-1 big man and his importance to the team's future.

"We're trying to challenge him more, defensively, showing some more versatility," Taylor Jenkins shared with SiriusXM NBA Radio Sunday. "But we know he's gotta be an anchor for us on the defensive side in our system. We prioritize protecting the paint."

Jenkins doubled down on the Grizzlies' draft choice, saying he's blocked out all the negative noise about his young center.

"I don't care what anyone's saying about Zach Edey and the pick," Jenkins said. "He was high on our board, a guy that has all the characteristics that we stand for...he's got a competitive nature to him."

He's hoping to push the center, who before the draft had concerns surrounding his speed, endurance and one-dimensional offensive play.

"We're trying to create new running habits for him," Jenkins said. "Also him having the ability to playmake, whether it's off dribble-handoff situations, kicking it out from the post, but the also scoring in the post."

This offseason, the Grizzlies chose to move on from center Steven Adams, acquiring Houston guard Victor Oladipo and three second-round choices. The deal allowed the Grizzlies to sign Edey, and Jenkins says he's immediately impressed with his development.

"Zach's made a great impression," Jenkins said. "He's leaning into those strengths that he had at Purdue and his four-year progression there. In just two weeks with us I've already seen the signs of growth."

Grizzlies, Edey showing strong signs in Summer League

Edey has only appeared in one game for the Grizzlies this summer, their July 8 opener against the Utah Jazz. Edey was terrific in the game, scoring 14 points on 7-12 shooting and grabbing 15 rebounds in a 97-95 overtime loss.

Most importantly, Edey was there for the game-tying tip-in as the fourth quarter closed, sending the game into overtime. He was facing off against Jazz center Walker Kessler, who finished third in Rookie of the Year voting last year. As the "anchor" defensively, Edey tallied four blocks.

The Grizzlies won their first official summer league game on Friday, defeating the Sacramento Kings 103-83. They were led by forward Jake LaRavia's 22 points, and their starters hit a solid 9-22 from three in the victory. They were locked in defensively, forcing the Kings into 31 turnovers throughout the contest.