Excitement is high in Memphis around the pivot Zach Edeychosen in ninth position in the Draft. The former Purdue resident arrives with qualities to make his mark on Taylor Jenkins' squad. At the Grizzlies, we hope that the Canadian will take over from Steven Adams, transferred to the Rockets.
With his height (2m24), his good hands and especially a Ja Morant, who already sees him as “Rookie of the Year”, to make him progress on the screen game, Zach Edey indeed has potential. But the question of his adaptation in the NBA remains relevant, in a league that is always going faster and continually focused on outside shooting.
“They're not going to let him switch to smaller guys and get grilled like that all game, it doesn't work like that. It's going to be position 5 against position 5.”warns Brandon Brantley, assistant at Purdue.
Still many questions
Beyond his physical dimension and his natural deterrent force, the Canadian will also have to be nourished on what Brandon Brantley presents as his main strong point, developed over the seasons: his uncontainable “hook”. With hard work, his mastery of this one-handed shot allows him to trigger it even from quite far from the circle, while maintaining the same efficiency. Once again, the whole package may seem enticing on paper.
“For you and me, it's the equivalent of brushing your teeth every morning.” continues Brandon Brantley, about his former player's routine. “He takes hooks at four meters, and he puts them in like it's nothing. Memphis is going to have a guy who's going to hold the paint by himself. Usually, guys his size are going to get the rebounds in their zone. He goes beyond that, and that gives him a real impact.”
What role will he be able to play from the start of the season? For what impact? With what speed of assimilation? But Ja Morant is adamant: the Grizzlies have made a superb catch: “He's 7'10″, but he's got touch and he shoots really well. 'Rookie Of The Year' is about all I can say about him…” repeats the leader.
