Zach Edey Stats Tonight: How did Grizzlies' rookie center fare against Bulls? (Oct. 12) | 2024 NBA preseason

The Memphis Grizzlies are gearing up for a comeback season after being plagued by injuries last year. A key part of their roster reinforcement is rookie Zach Edey, who steps in as the team’s new starting center. Standing at 7-foot-4, Edey shares the title of tallest active NBA player with San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama.

Edey played his third preseason game on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls, where he faced off against Nikola Vucevic in a center battle. In 21 minutes, he impressed, nearly securing a double-double. The Grizzlies won 124-121.

Here are his stats from the game:

PLAYER	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	OREB	DREB	STL	BLK	TO	PF	=+/-
Zach Edey	21:34	15	8	4	5	10	50.0	0	0	0.0	5	7	71.4	5	3	0	3	0	0	7

Zach Edey’s 15 points were the fourth-highest for Memphis, behind Jaylen Wells with 24, Jake LaRavia with 20 and Jay Huff’s 18 off the bench.

His eight rebounds were second-best behind LaRavia and Huff, who each grabbed nine boards.

He was the only player in the game to record three blocks and also contributed four assists.

Edey’s points, rebounds and assists totals tonight are all personal preseason highs.

His center matchup, Vucevic, recorded seven points and five rebounds.

The Grizzlies have won two of their first three preseason games. They will cap off their preseason campaign with two more games, first against the Indiana Pacers on Monday and then against the Miami Heat on Friday.

Zach Edey discusses building chemistry with Ja Morant

Zach Edey, now Grizzlies star Ja Morant’s big man partner, has already earned the starting spot despite being a rookie, according to coach Taylor Jenkins.

In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda’s Grant Afseth, Edey stressed the importance of creating a strong connection with Morant.

“For sure, just building that chemistry on and off the court. It’s really important, and we’re still working on it. It’s not done by any means, but we’re continuing to develop it,” he said.

He also mentioned he’s still adjusting to the NBA’s pace and learning the Grizzlies’ system, both offensively and defensively.

“I’m trying to figure out how to play within the offense — what types of shots I’ll get, what reads I need to make, and how to smoothly implement myself into it,” he said.

“It’s different. In college, my role was to alter shots without fouling. In the NBA, I can really chase blocks, so it’s a new challenge for me,” he added.

Edey, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, not only brings size but also offensive versatility with his ability to playmake out of double teams and shoot from outside. Defensively, his towering presence makes him a force in the paint.