Zach Edey averaged 9.2 points and 8.3 rebounds for the Grizzlies. Kel'el Ware averaged 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds for the Heat.

At Purdue, Edey was known for his dominance inside, and he brought that same physicality to the NBA. He averaged 9.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 58% from the field and an impressive 34.6% from 3-point range, a rare skill set for a player of his size.

Memphis Grizzlies rookies Zach Edey (left) and Jaylen Wells were both named to the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team on Tuesday, May 20. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Both players saw increased roles for the Grizzlies as the 2024-25 season moved along.

His ability to find diamonds in the rough has been exceptional, and former two-time Wooden Award winner Zach Edey is a prime example. The 7-foot-4 big man was ranked 440th overall by 247 Sports in the 2020 class, but Painter saw his value, and it paid off ...

A starting five of all bigs in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, Steven Adams, Ivica Zubac and Zach Edey would have trouble spacing the floor and dealing with quicker guards in an NBA game.