Imagine a 7'4" giant dominating the court, defying modern NBA trends and silencing doubters. That's Zach Edey, the Memphis Grizzlies' secret weapon, whose impact goes far beyond his towering frame. But here's where it gets controversial: Can a player with a seemingly outdated skillset truly thrive in today's fast-paced, perimeter-oriented league? Let's dive into the data and find out.
Edey's journey from Purdue, where he earned nicknames like 'The Big Maple' and 'Shaq Edey,' to the NBA was met with skepticism. While his college dominance was undeniable, questions lingered about his ability to adapt to the league's evolving style. However, early indications from his rookie and injury-shortened sophomore seasons suggest that Edey is not just adapting, but excelling.
And this is the part most people miss: Edey's growth from year one to year two is nothing short of remarkable. Despite playing only 10 full games this season (plus a brief 6-minute appearance due to a migraine), he's elevated his game significantly. His per-game averages have jumped from 9 points and 8 rebounds to around 15 points and 12 rebounds, all while logging an additional 6 minutes per game. His shot-blocking prowess has also improved, averaging over 2 blocks per game.
Our Data Scouts have crunched the numbers, revealing Edey's all-around improvement. On offense, he's taking more shots and scoring with greater efficiency. His true shooting percentage has climbed from 62.3% to 65.8%, and his net effective field goal percentage has shifted from a negative to a positive rate, indicating he's outperforming expectations based on his shot selection.
Defensively, Edey's impact is even more striking. Opponents are shooting a mere 34% against him as the primary defender, placing him in the 84th percentile of all players—a significant leap from last year's 42% and 34th percentile ranking. Remarkably, he's achieving this while contesting fewer shots and committing fewer fouls, all while maintaining his elite shot-blocking ability.
When compared to Memphis' other centers—Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, and Santi Aldama—Edey stands out. Using the SIS framework's Points Per Chance (PPC) metric, which measures points scored per opportunity leading to a result in the same offensive sequence, Edey ranks in the 80th percentile, outpacing his teammates. While Jackson is an exceptional defender, Edey holds a slight edge in post defense and shot-blocking. Landale and Aldama, though above average, fall short of Edey's defensive metrics.
Here's the bold claim: Edey's presence on the court directly correlates with the Grizzlies' success. With Edey playing, Memphis' defensive rating plummets to an astonishing 99.3 points allowed per 100 possessions, surpassing even the league-leading Thunder. Without him, that number skyrockets to 119.1, ranking 26th in the league. This translates to a staggering 22.1-point swing in net efficiency when Edey is on the floor. Even on offense, the Grizzlies see a modest improvement, moving from 22nd to 16th in the league.
While it's true that Edey's data is based on a small sample size of 10 full games, the results are hard to ignore. Memphis is 7-3 with Edey in the lineup and a mere 11-20 without him. As the Grizzlies fight for a play-in spot, Edey's return could be the game-changer they need to secure a postseason berth.
But here's the question that sparks debate: Is Edey's success sustainable in a league that increasingly values speed and spacing? Or is he a throwback to a bygone era, destined to be outpaced by the modern game? Weigh in below—do you think Edey's dominance is here to stay, or is it a fleeting moment in NBA history?
