Joe Murphy/NBAE through Getty Pictures
Memphis Grizzlies rookie heart Zach Edey made a residing within the paint whereas starring at Purdue, averaging 25.2 factors, 12.2 rebounds and a couple of.2 blocks per sport for the nationwide runner-up final yr.
Nonetheless, there was an attention-grabbing sight throughout the Grizzlies’ 119-94 residence loss to the Charlotte Hornets in preseason motion on Thursday.
Specifically, the 7’4″, 305-pound Edey took three three-pointers, or two greater than he ever tried throughout his 4 years at Purdue.
Edey did not make any of his three makes an attempt and struggled offensively general, scoring 10 factors on 2-of-8 capturing (6-of-8 free throws). He additionally grabbed 5 rebounds and blocked one shot.
Edey did not take any threes in his first preseason sport on Monday, a 121-116 win over the Dallas Mavericks that noticed him end with six factors and 7 rebounds. So this was a brand-new sight for the massive man.
It is not a shock that he tried the threes in a meaningless preseason sport. Large males routinely stretch the courtroom today, in fact, with facilities taking (and making) threes usually.
However that is not Edey’s sport, not less than not but. He’s clearly engaged on it, although, and confirmed off some long-range abilities on the NBA Draft Mix.
Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress
Zach Edey says he has the 3-ball in his sport proper now already and he is trying ahead to displaying that. Would not seem like a stretch right here on the NBA draft mix. pic.twitter.com/Egc1HYfSDs
Andy Katz @TheAndyKatz
Zach Edey out right here burying 3s within the capturing drills. In fact he is not being defended however these drills are all about displaying your type, vary and launch. @BoilerBall @NBADraft @NBATV @MarchMadnessMBB @B1GMBBall @BigTenNetwork
Sam King @samueltking
I attempted to inform individuals. Zach Edey has offensive vary, however lots of people who watched him play for Purdue determined he can solely put up up/choose and roll. If Matt Painter has a participant that unstoppable within the put up and places him on the perimeter, properly, then, that is simply dangerous teaching. https://t.co/953hRZUtY9
Nonetheless, in-game motion stays a work-in-progress, and followers weren’t precisely thrilled on the early outcomes.
Jaylen Wells Muse @JaylenWellsMuse
Can we cease having Edey on the 3 level line and get him some appears to be like inside lol
O-Canine-EddieKang-Ruffin @D_E_Z_Z_
Zach Edey standing within the CORNER 3 and Grant Williams is guarding him…..😭😭😭😭
Andy Roth @arhooptalk
Edey has taken two 3’s. I do not see them actually attempting to get him some deep put up catches. That is actually dumb
In fact, it is just one preseason sport, and Edey hasn’t precisely been capturing threes in opposition to actual competitors earlier than Thursday. Maybe it is a talent he picks up down the road, however for now, he is nonetheless engaged on his craft.
Edey and the Grizzlies will take the courtroom subsequent on Saturday on the Chicago Bulls. Their first common season sport is on Oct. 23 on the Utah Jazz.
