MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As you likely know by now, Purdue basketball legend and two-time NCAA national player of the year winner Zach Edey is now officially a member of Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies used their ninth overall pick to draft the big man last night.
Despite multiple reports saying the Grizzlies wanted to trade up for Charlotte's sixth pick and draft UConn center Donovan Clingan, the Grizzlies stuck with their pick.
“Let’s just say this is exactly what we hoped would happen tonight,” Kleiman said.
Kleiman doubled down on his stance and believes Edey fits in perfectly with 'Grizz Culture.'
“Zach Edey is a particularly special fit,” Kleiman said. “When we talk about the DNA of this team and what we are trying to build out, Zach Edey to a T is that definition. We could not be more thrilled to land him in this draft.”
There were some concerns about the 7-foot-4 center’s mobility and ability to defend in space heading into the draft. However, Kleiman believes Edey will complement Jaren Jackson Jr.’s defensive game in the paint.
“Jaren kind of roaming off of Zach, you know his weakside rim protection, Edey as the anchor in drop coverage. That’s a look that we are very comfortable with and I think Zach has the potential to be a very positive and impactful defender,” Kleiman said.
Offensively, Edey could be the missing piece the Grizzlies have been searching for. Two seasons ago, Memphis ranked first in points in the paint per game (57.7), relying heavily on a combination of Ja Morant and Steven Adams. Without that duo last season, Memphis ranked dead last in points in the paint per game (46.0). Kleiman is excited to see what the Edey-Morant duo will bring to the table.
“As a roll threat to the basket, Ja has a way of finding guys and my god, you’ve got some size for Ja to find now. I think that’s something that we are really excited about,” Kleiman said.
Edey was not at the draft last night, so we were not able to talk to him via video call, but we will be able to talk to him and the Grizzlies’ two second-round draft picks, Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer tomorrow.