The Memphis Grizzlies did not second-guess their 2024 NBA Draft first-round selection. They added a dangerous presence in the paint and an amazing lob threat in Zach Edey, the two-time National College Basketball Player of the Year. Ja Morant, a prominent player for the Grizzlies, expressed his joy about playing alongside the center on Instagram by sharing a funny story, demonstrating his instant approval of the selection.
Ja Morant in action
Image : Sporting News
The guard used a scene from Rush Hour 3 to make fun of Edey’s 7-foot-4 stature. When the character played by actor Chris Tucker opens a sliding door, he immediately runs into a towering Asian man.
He tries to move him with both hands, thinking it’s a door, but he soon discovers that a huge person is in the way. The man then catches Tucker’s stunned glance, and he exclaims, “Woah! In a rib-tickling way, “Damn!”
Ja Morant’s new instagram story😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ruWi8L9QQI
— BIGMEM12 (@BIGMEM12) June 27, 2024
The funny scene captured exactly how most people, even NBA stars, will probably feel when they stand next to Edey. Along with Boban Marjanovic and Victor Wembanyama, the center will be one of the three tallest players in the league and the tallest player in Big Ten Conference history.
How would Edey pair up with Ja Morant?
Edey’s final two college seasons at Purdue were excellent uses of his extraordinary frame. In his junior year, he averaged 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks. In his senior year, he increased those totals to 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks.
In the NCAA Championship Game, he scored 37 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead his old mater over UConn. His efforts were insufficient, though, as Purdue fell short 75–60.
But Edey is not without his flaws. His frame makes it difficult for him to move laterally. Scouts were also skeptical of his ability to move quickly in the NBA, which could have an impact on where he was selected in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, appear unconcerned with the center’s shortcomings and thrilled about the advantages of having him in their lineup.
Edey is a fantastic rim finisher and a top shot blocker, which makes him a fantastic fit for the Grizzlies in theory. Jaren Jackson Jr. is the cornerstone of Memphis’ defense, while James Morant leads the attack. The center’s ability to finish and block shots can assist both players on either end of the court.
The Grizzlies, especially Morant, are eager to have Edey on their roster regardless of the scouting reports. That being said, it will be interesting to observe how he overcomes his weaknesses.
