Zach Edey: Summer League Reactions

What effect, if any, did Zach Edey’s Summer League have on his long-term NBA stock?

Big Ten basketball doesn’t always translate to the next level. The comparatively slow pace of play and reliance on post-scoring is fundamentally incongruent with the modern NBA. Consequently, players that dominated at the college level frequently find themselves struggling when they get their opportunity to play in the pros. For example, one can look at Luka Garza and Johnny Davis, two former stars who won Big Ten player of the year. Both players have struggled mightily in the NBA and while this may be expected from young players–this phenomenon seems to plague the Big Ten in particular. Despite the empirical warnings, the Memphis Grizzlies drafted Zach Edey ninth overall in this year's draft. The seven foot four center won National Player of the Year in consecutive seasons and was without question the best player in college basketball. However, the question remains: will his game translate to the NBA? 

In his first NBA Summer League game, Edey worked quickly to dispel any notion that his style of play is simply an antiquated relic of the past. He finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks–a statline that elicits a visceral reaction from a Wisconsin Badger fan like myself. I’ve seen Edey take control of far too many games by merely flexing his physical prowess. While Edey’s frame is obviously an integral part of his game, it’s not his only tool. Edey showcased his hook-shot, finishing at a high rate with both hands and from different depths. He also was a dominant presence defensively, successfully timing up shots to block and impacting anything near the paint. What I found most impressive, however, was his motor. Edey was constantly running up and down the floor, and was able to capitalize on several easy fastbreak finishes. While this may sound trivial, not many centers of Edey’s size and stature are impactful in transition. The first game was undoubtedly a success; however, Edey’s hot start cooled when he sat out several games to nurse a sore ankle. 

Edey was an ironman in college, rarely missing a game for Purdue. Injury concerns are valid, especially for players of Edey’s size, but one sore ankle is nothing to worry about. Yesterday, in his return to summer league action, Edey only played nine minutes–totaling six points, three rebounds, and one block–before twisting his other ankle and exiting the game. The good news is that Edey looked solid again, and his play indicates that he will likely break the recent curse on Big Ten stars struggling in the NBA. In order to fulfill his potential, however, he obviously needs to stay healthy. Two rolled ankles is not necessarily indicative of a tumultuous future, but it’s definitely not encouraging. Despite my allegiance to the Badgers, and therefore intrinsic antipathy to the Boilermakers, I hope Edey can stay on the floor and prove that the Grizzlies didn’t reach by drafting him in the top ten.

Edey will go down as one of the most dominant college basketball players ever. Highlights from his Purdue career above.