"Can't ask for a better start": Memphis Grizzlies fans thrilled at Zach Edey's dominant debut

The Memphis Grizzlies might have unearthed a future star in the form of Zach Edey. The Canadian star, who was selected ninth in the 2024 draft, had a memorable Summer League debut on Monday against the Utah Jazz. Even though Memphis lost the game 97-95 in overtime, Edey’s performance impressed Grizzlies fans.

Zach Edey finished the game with 14 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks. He was instrumental in taking the game to overtime as he tipped in a missed attempt by Jake LaRavia to tie the game 90-90. As expected, Grizzlies fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to praise the rookie center. One fan wrote:

“Can't ask for a better start! Looking forward to what this teams does this season”

"The beginning of a bright future," another fan optimistically said.

“The extraordinary Edey 👀 🌟 @NBA #NBAX #NBA #HotGrizzSummer #ZachEdey”

“14pts 15rbs kinda crazy,” a fan wrote.

Fans were quick to mention that the Memphis Grizzlies did a great job at drafting Edey.

“This was such a good pickup for the Grizz. They always stay with a decent big man,” a fan applauded the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies are coming off of a disappointing season where they finished 13th in the West with a 27-55 record. This was mostly because their superstar player Ja Morant featured in just nine games. He missed the starting 25 games because of a suspension. After playing nine games, he missed the rest of the season with a labral tear in his right shoulder.

Memphis has one of the best young rosters in the league and with everyone fit, the Grizzlies could be a contender. Adding a dominant big man in Zach Edey only improves their chances.

Zach Edey said he’s “getting comfortable” with the Memphis Grizzlies system

Despite an inspirational debut on Monday, Zach Edey couldn’t lead his team to a win. He, however, took the loss in good stride and acknowledged it as a learning experience. He said after the game:

“It was great. Just trying to get comfortable, trying to learn the system, trying to learn how to play with everybody and getting comfortable on the NBA floor. It was fun.”

Edey also had one of the highlights of the game after he dunked on the Jazz’s Walker Kessler. He spoke about that play as well:

"Yeah, just take it as a challenge. He's a great player in the NBA. So, just taking that and trying to make the best out of it. I wanted that one for sure though."

Zach Edey had his shot initially blocked by Kessler, but the Purdue product stayed focused on the play and dunked on his opponent.