MEMPHIS, Tenn — The Memphis Grizzlies have selected Zach Edey at number nine overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Edey is a 7'4" 300lb out of the Purdue University and Canada. He averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 2023. Edey is the highest draft pick by the Grizzlies since 2019 when the team picked Ja Morant number two overall.
The Boilermaker center was a two-time national player of the year. His immense frame gives him a longer wingspan (7-10¾) and standing reach (9-7) than other dominant big men of the NBA's past like Shaquille O'Neal and Rudy Gobert. At such a large size, stamina may be a concern, but the Canadian averaged 32.2 minutes per game in senior year.
Edey, who played both baseball and hockey growing up, is the all-time leading scorer (2,516) and rebounder (1,321) in Purdue history.
He led Purdue to the 2024 Final Four and national championship game. In the final game of his college career, he squared off with fellow top 10 pick, Donovan Clingan and scored 37 points, while adding 10 rebounds and two blocks in a 75-60 loss.
It's unclear if Edey will be a starter level or impact big man right away in the NBA. The Grizzlies will look to see if the big man can pair up efficiently on both ends of the floor with former defensive player of the year and All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. and if he can make a similar impact to Steven Adams - setting screens and carving out space for guards Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.
The Grizzlies finished the 2023 season 27-55, 13th in the NBA Western Conference. The Grizzlies still have picks #39 and #57 in the second round of the NBA draft. Round two of the draft is Thursday night, starting at 3pm CT.