Who is the Most Important Player for the Grizzlies This Season?
With the NBA season quickly approaching, it’s time to look ahead and figure out who is the most important player for the Memphis Grizzlies this upcoming season. Now, right off the bat, Ja Morant probably comes to mind, or perhaps even Jaren Jackson Jr. The thing is, though, as already established stars of the team, big games are expected from these two players. Sure, injuries could affect their ability on the court, but when they play, we know the Grizzlies will be a threat. Who can take the Grizzlies over the hump? Who is the player that could impact them the most and become the dreaded third option that many teams desire? That could be Zach Edey.
The seven-foot-four center out of Purdue made his first start last season in what turned out to be a decent rookie year. The big man averaged about nine points, eight rebounds, one assist, and just over one block a game, accompanied by a 58% field goal percentage. As mentioned before, these numbers aren’t too bad for a rookie. However, if Zach Edey can take a leap, he could get the Grizzlies exactly where they want to go.
One of the biggest points of critique in Zach Edey’s performance last season may have been his lack of aggression. Sure, this may be expected of someone in their rookie season, but now is the time for action. In 2024, Zach Edey attempted just over six shots a game. As someone shooting 58% from the field, that’s an extremely low figure. Also, given that he is the tallest player in the NBA, just one block per game accompanied by eight rebounds, seems way too low of a mark as well. With his size, Zach Edey should be getting at least ten rebounds and two blocks a night at the very minimum. The key to an uptick in stats is being aggressive.
With a 58% field goal percentage, if Zach Edey upped his shots per game from around six to 12, we’re looking at a player potentially averaging closer to 17 points a game. Accompany this with double-digit rebounds a night and a few blocks as well, and before you know it, Zach Edey could become a monster on both sides of the ball. With his size, he could get to the basket with ease, scoring layups and drawing fouls. With his added aggressiveness, he could snatch more rebounds, leading to better scoring opportunities for Ja, Jaren, and others. This is all the while being an immovable object on the defensive side of the ball, acting as a barrier between opposing players and the rim.
Sure, being a rookie, Zach Edey may have been a little passive in his scoring and defensive presence; after all, he is just learning to adjust to the pace and play of an NBA season. Entering year two, though, the filters should be lifted. Added aggressiveness on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball would give the Grizzlies a monster force that would open up the floor more for the Grizzlies’ stars and role players. This would lead to more scoring, more creativity in drawing up offensive and defensive schemes, and a little bit of intimidation for opposing teams. Zach Edey could be the player the Grizzlies need to take them over the hump; all he has to do is seize the opportunity.
