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Zach Edey's prospects in the 2024 NBA draft have risen rapidly since his impressive performances at the draft combine in May. From a potential late first-round/early second-round pick, Edey is predicted to be a top-15 pick, going as high as No. 9.
ESPN draft expert, Jonathan Givony, in his latest (June 7) mock draft ranked Zach Edey as a No. 16 pick and explained:
"Several teams say Edey's productivity ranks him as a top-three prospect in this class according to their draft models, ESPN's Kevin Pelton had him ranked No. 2 in his stats-only draft projections."
"He proved nearly unstoppable in the paint at the college level, drawing fouls, crashing the offensive glass and dismantling defenses with his screening and the incredible gravity he offers diving to the rim in pick-and-roll, helping Purdue shoot 40% from the 3-point line."
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In his four-year college career with the Purdue Boilermakers, Zach Edey averaged 18.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.7 blocks, shooting 62.1%.
After testing the NBA waters last year, the National Player of the Year returned for his senior year. It worked for the best, as he had his most impressive college season, averaging a national high 25.2 points, 12.2 points and 2.0 assists.
NBA insider predicts Lakers to pick Zach Edey if Dan Hurley is hired
After Darvin Ham's firing, the LA Lakers have been on the lookout for his replacement. From Sam Cassell to James Borrego and most recently, JJ Redick, the potential candidate list keeps growing. The latest to join is UConn Huskies coach, Dan Hurley.
While the Hurley-Lakers case is still in the negotiations stage, speculations have risen regarding the team's draft choices. LA has the No. 17 and No. 55 picks, and rumors suggest that the team pick Zach Edey and Bronny James with this. NBA insider Brett Siegel tweeted:
"Should the Lakers hire Dan Hurley this weekend, do not be shocked if Zach Edey and Bronny James are their two draft picks."
Throughout his coaching career, Hurley has been known as a person who focuses on the development of his players as much as his game-winning strategy. Having a coach like this would help in turning the raw potential of prospects like Edey and James.
Givony also reported that Zach Edey is set to participate in workouts with the Lakers and more teams in the weeks preceding the draft. The 2024 NBA draft will be held on 26 and 27 June in New York.
What are your predictions for Zach Edey? Let's know in the comments section below:
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