The Grizzlies chose Zach Edey as the 9th pick in last month's draft.
Zach Edey's eventful summer league debut with the Memphis Grizzlies showcased both his potential and his resilience, despite a dramatic finish that fell just short in Salt Lake City.
Initially, the towering former Purdue standout, chosen by the Grizzlies as the 9th overall pick in a surprise move during the NBA Draft lottery last month, faced adversity. He missed a crucial putback dunk near the end of regulation, seemingly sealing a loss against the Utah Jazz. However, with only 0.8 seconds remaining, Edey redeemed himself with a spectacular tip-in off an intentionally missed free throw, forcing overtime. It was a rare and perfectly executed play that defied the odds.
Despite Edey's heroics, the Jazz ultimately prevailed in the Elam Ending-style overtime period, thanks to Keyonte George's clutch free throws. George, drafted 16th overall by the Jazz last year, scored 30 points, sealing a 97-95 victory with his decisive performance at the line.
Throughout the game, Edey's performance was a rollercoaster. After a strong start in the first quarter, he encountered challenges but still managed to finish with an impressive double-double: 14 points and 15 rebounds, shooting 7-of-12 from the field. His highlight reel included a powerful dunk over 7-footer Walker Kessler, showcasing his athleticism and determination to contribute.
Despite falling into foul trouble and experiencing a brief scare with an ankle injury, Edey demonstrated resilience, returning to play and contributing effectively until the final buzzer. Scotty Pippen Jr. led the Grizzlies with 21 points and five assists, while Jake LaRavia added 18 points and seven rebounds. On the Jazz side, Kessler's 10 points, six rebounds, and four blocks complemented George's standout performance.
Edey's journey to the NBA has been marked by notable achievements, including leading Purdue with 25.2 points per game last season and earning consecutive national player of the year awards. His dominant presence in college basketball, paired with his rapid rise in NBA draft projections, underscores his potential impact for the Grizzlies this season.
Looking ahead, Edey and the Grizzlies continue their summer league campaign against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Oklahoma City Thunder before heading to Las Vegas for further competition. Despite ups and downs in his debut, Edey's performance highlighted glimpses of his future potential as a pivotal figure in Memphis' lineup.
