The promising career of Memphis Grizzlies’ rookie center, Zach Edey, has encountered an unexpected setback after a recent ankle injury check-up. The 7-foot-4 towering athlete, who was initially on the cusp of a return to the NBA after a brief stint away, now faces a delay of a few more weeks before he can get back on the court.
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Edey, a two-time NCAA Player of the Year for Purdue, has shown immense potential since being drafted by the Grizzlies with the ninth overall pick in last summer’s NBA Draft. However, the start to his professional career has been overshadowed by an unfortunate injury to his left ankle during the Grizzlies’ victory against the Denver Nuggets on November 17th. The injury has kept him sidelined for what will be his ninth consecutive game as of Thursday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings.
The Setback: A Series of Challenges
The Grizzlies had high expectations for Edey this season, especially given his dominant college career. The 21-year-old’s size and skill set made him a coveted pick in the draft, and his presence was expected to be a major asset for Memphis. His ability to control the paint, rebound, and contribute offensively was seen as a crucial factor in the team’s push toward contention in the Western Conference.
Signs earlier this week hinted that the big man was preparing for his return. Edey had been sent down to Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G-League affiliate, for some additional training. The hope was that he would gain more court time to shake off the rust and prepare for a swift return to the NBA team. However, after undergoing a check on his injured ankle, it became clear that Edey’s return would need to be delayed for a few more weeks.
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Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins spoke to the media on Thursday, saying, “He was down in Hustle [on Wednesday]. He tried it out, tested it. We’re just not comfortable with his position at the moment.” Jenkins continued, “So, we’ll slowly progress him over the next few weeks.”
The Road to Recovery
The road to recovery for any professional athlete is never straightforward, and Edey’s injury is no exception. Initially, the Grizzlies had hoped he would be able to return in time for Thursday’s game against the Kings, but after further testing, the medical staff determined that the ankle wasn’t yet at a place where they were comfortable rushing him back into action. The Grizzlies’ cautious approach is likely aimed at preventing any further damage and ensuring Edey’s long-term health.
Edey has been an essential part of the Grizzlies’ rotation when healthy. He’s averaged 11.1 points per game and 6.9 rebounds per game over the course of 14 games this season. The big man started in nine of those games, demonstrating his readiness to contribute to the team’s success. His injury is a significant blow to Memphis, as they’ve been without his imposing presence in the paint for several crucial games.
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The Impact on the Grizzlies
Memphis has already had its fair share of challenges this season, with injuries plaguing key players like Jaren Jackson Jr. Despite Edey’s absence, the Grizzlies have managed to stay competitive, but the lack of a dominant center has certainly left a void in their lineup.
The delay of Edey’s return leaves Memphis in a precarious position, as they rely on a patchwork frontcourt to make up for the absence of the 7-foot-4 rookie. Jackson Jr., who is also recovering from his own injury, is expected to return soon, but the Grizzlies will need to be patient with their young center’s recovery process to ensure that his ankle doesn’t suffer any long-term effects.
While the Grizzlies are managing without Edey, it’s clear that they will need him to return to full health if they hope to contend in the Western Conference. His rebounding and shot-blocking ability would provide Memphis with the extra edge they need, especially when facing some of the league’s strongest teams.
What’s Next for Zach Edey?
For Edey, the priority now is full recovery. His journey to recovery will be a vital part of the Grizzlies’ success moving forward, and while the delay is disappointing for both the player and the team, it’s clear that the long-term health of the rookie is paramount. Memphis fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the court, as the towering center’s potential remains untapped.
The Grizzlies’ management and medical team will continue to monitor his progress, and the hope is that Edey will be back sooner rather than later to add depth to the team’s frontcourt. While the setback is unfortunate, Edey’s future in the NBA is bright, and Memphis will be looking to build around the young star for years to come.
