On July 9, 2024, Zach Edey made his NBA debut for the Memphis Grizzlies in the Salt Lake City Summer League against the Utah Jazz. The highly anticipated rookie did not disappoint as he put on a show with an impressive performance that left fans and experts alike impressed.
Edey finished with a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. He also added four blocks to his tally, demonstrating his defensive prowess. One of the most notable moments of the game came in the final seconds when Edey tipped in a missed free throw to force overtime.
The two-time National Player of the Year looked comfortable on the court, silencing doubts about his ability to keep up with professional athletes. His impressive debut was praised by many, including Grizzlies star Ja Morant who took to Twitter to express his excitement.
Edey's mobility was also on display as he finished a transition bucket following a dish from teammate Jake LaRavia. The Canadian centre showed that he is not just a force down low but can also contribute in other areas of the game.
Despite missing a put-back dunk that would have given Memphis the lead, Edey made up for it by tipping in a missed free throw to tie the game at 90. The Grizzlies went on to lose in overtime but Edey's performance was undoubtedly a positive sign for the team.
Edey was drafted ninth overall in the NBA Draft as a replacement for Steven Adams, who was traded to the Houston Rockets. His impressive college career at Purdue, where he averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game, set high expectations for his professional career.
The next opportunity for Edey to impress will come on Tuesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.