The Memphis Grizzlies plan to land a big boost on Saturday night.
According to the team’s official injury report, they have listed the second-year star center Zach Edey as available. The sophomore big man is making his season debut.
Edey joined the Grizzlies as their ninth-overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He wrapped up a four-year stint at Purdue, where he started 108 of the 138 games he played. During his senior season, Edey dominated by averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game.
During his first season with the Grizzlies, Edey appeared in 66 games. 55 of those matchups were in the starting lineup. Seeing the court for 21.5 minutes per game, Edey made 58 percent of his shots from the field and averaged 9.2 points per game, along with 8.3 rebounds. He also averaged 1.3 blocks on the defensive end.
When the Grizzlies madr the playoffs last season, Edey was a starter for all four games. In his first postseason action, he produced 6.3 points per game, while making 66 percent of his shots. He also came down with 7.8 rebounds per game and blocked 2.5 shots per outing. The Grizzlies lost in the first round by way of a sweep.
Over the offseason, Edey underwent surgery, which pushed his second-year debut back. Ahead of Saturday’s action, the Grizzlies upgraded Edey to questionable. He’s officially cleared for action.
The Grizzlies need all the help they can get this season. So far, they are 4-9 on the year, which places them 12th in the Western Conference, only in front of the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, and the New Orleans Pelicans. Edey’s presence won’t solve all Memphis’ problems, and dissolve the drama, but he could be a difference maker after his standout season as a rookie.
Memphis is on the hunt for its fifth win on Saturday. They are taking on a tough 8-5 Cleveland team on the road.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
