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The Memphis Grizzlies shocked a lot of people when they picked Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Edey was projected to be a late lottery to a late first-round selection, but the Grizzlies seemingly reached to get the Purdue big man early.
On paper, the Grizzlies needed a big man after trading Steven Adams at the deadline and Edey is the perfect replacement for him. The 22-year-old senior stands at 7-foot-4 and weighs around 300 pounds. He is a great screener and would make things easier for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Edey improved every season in Purdue and averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game in his final year. He was the consensus best player in college basketball, but there were doubts about how his game would translate to the NBA.
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While some people liked what the Memphis Grizzlies did in getting Zach Edey, others are not fond of it. There are questions about how Edey adjusts to the speed of the NBA and if his improved shooting could translate.
It was a big risk for the Grizzlies, a team on the verge of contending until a lost 2023-24 season that started with Ja Morant suspended for 25 games. Did Memphis make a mistake? Let's look at what they could have done better.
Memphis Grizzlies should have drafted down
The 2024 NBA Draft class will be famously known for not having a lot of elite talent compared to the past few drafts and the new few classes. There was no clear No. 1 pick and teams had their own favorites moving into the draft.
One of the things the Memphis Grizzlies could have done is draft down and get more picks. They might have snagged a perimeter defender such as Ryan Dunn or a versatile big like DaRon Holmes II.
Many veteran free agents on the market
The Memphis Grizzlies are not in a position to wait if Zach Edey's game will translate or not. The Grizzlies need to remind the league who they are – a second seed just two seasons ago. They had one of the best young teams in the league on the precipice of success.
One of the key aspects of the roster the Grizzlies are lacking is veteran presence. They could find it in the free agent market with players such as Daniel Theis, who has a similar game to Steven Adams and could start. Andre Drummond is a serviceable backup and played fantastic for the Chicago Bulls last season.
The Grizzlies could have used their third-string center spot for someone like DeAndre Jordan or Tristan Thompson. Veteran big man with championship experience who knows how to pull through a playoff run.
