It's still only Summer League. But with so many questions surrounding Zach Edeyhis debut was bound to be scrutinized very closely. The Canadian giant drafted in 9th place by the Grizzlies did not disappoint against the Jazz on Monday night in an overtime defeat (97-95). With 14 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks, Edey gave a first glimpse of what he could bring to Memphis, where his qualities seem to match perfectly with the needs of the franchise.
For a summer game, this Jazz-Grizzlies looked pretty good. Because the rosters weren't exactly the ones typical of a summer warm-up game, with Utah on the other side a group that could almost entirely be part of Salt Lake City's final roster. Zach Edey in particular had the right to a first duel not so far from what could await him all season, against Walker Kesslerone of the best blockers in the league over the past two seasons.
Very close to being decisive
The former Purdue player largely dominated the debates (8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks for Kessler) and even allowed himself to put his opponent on one of the photos of the night with a poster after being blocked on his first attempt. XXL screens, impressive defensive deterrence, Edey appeared comfortable and already vocal, collecting a technical foul after a small altercation with Brice Sensabaugh.
All that was missing was victory to complete this first great evening, even if the rookie tried everything, signing the action of the evening with a tap at the buzzer to send the match into overtime, for Ja Morant's greatest pleasure. With his 4 offensive rebounds this evening, Zach Edey showed some promise in his ability to replace Steven Adamsvaluable in this register between 2021 and 2023.
In addition to Memphis' pivot, several rookies were also at work for varying fortunes. Coming off the bench, Isaiah Collier was convincing (12 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 interceptions), when Kyle Filipowski missed (0 points at 0/4). Cody Williams was, himself, a starter and was rather discreet (6 points at 3/5, 5 rebounds), but with one of the rare positive +/- of the Jazz. Keyonte George finished as the best scorer of the match with 28 points (15/17 on free throws).
