Grizzlies Select Zach Edey With No. 9 Pick in 2024 NBA Draft

The Memphis Grizzlies were once the NBA‘s trendy next team destined for greatness. However, with the rise of other strong teams and recent challenges, they have found themselves in a difficult position. The move they made in the 2024 NBA Draft can help change things next season.

Drafting Edey Helps the Grizzlies Improve Significantly

The Grizzlies selected Purdue center Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday. Edey became the first player to sweep every major National Player of the Year award (six total) in consecutive seasons (2022-23 and 2023-24) since Bill Walton did it in 1971-72 and 1972-73 during his junior and senior years at Purdue.

The 7-foot-4 center had 12 major National Player of the Year trophies, which ranks second in NCAA history behind Ralph Sampson’s 14.

Last year, Edey started 39 games as a senior, averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and two assists in 32 minutes while shooting 62.3 percent from the field to lead Purdue to the NCAA Tournament championship game.

Edey became the first player to lead the nation in both total points and total rebounds since Hank Gathers in 1988-89. He also tied the second-most free throw attempts in a season in NCAA history (436).

Edey’s 37 points against UConn were the most in the NCAA Tournament final since 1978. He was selected to the 2024 NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team and was named the 2024 NCAA Midwest Region Most Outstanding Player.

Edey played in 138 games (108 starts) for Purdue over four years and averaged 18.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.4 assists and in 24.9 minutes while shooting 62.1 percent from the field. The Toronto native ranks third in Big Ten history in points (2,516) and second in rebounds (1,321).

As a member of the Canadian senior men’s national team, Edey helped Canada win the bronze medal in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. It eas Canada’s first-ever World Cup medal and first medal at a major global tournament since the 1936 Summer Olympics.

From Contenders to Underdogs

Just a few years ago, the Grizzlies were seen as potential championship contenders. They tied the franchise record with 56 wins in the 2021-22 season, riding high as they embraced their underdog status. However, higher expectations in the following seasons led to mixed results. After securing the No. 2 seed again in the 2022-23 campaign, they faced a disappointing first round playoff exit against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Impact of Ja Morant’s Suspension

The 2023-24 season began with a major setback as Ja Morant served a 25-game suspension. During this period, the Grizzlies struggled significantly, starting the season with a 6-19 record. The absence of their star player was deeply felt, impacting the team’s performance and standings.

Upon Morant’s return, the team showed glimpses of their former prowess, going 6-3 in the nine games he played before he suffered a season-ending right shoulder injury. This brief stretch demonstrated the potential of the team when Morant is on the court, though the injury cast a shadow over their hopes for the season.

Taylor Jenkins’ Coaching Challenges

This season marked the first time in Taylor Jenkins’ five-year tenure as head coach that the Grizzlies did not make it to the postseason. The challenges faced, including Morant’s suspension and subsequent injury, tested Jenkins’ ability to navigate through adversity and maintain team morale.

Role of Key Players

Desmond Bane has been a pivotal player for the Grizzlies, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively. His performance, alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., forms the backbone of the team’s strategy. Bane’s return from injury is highly anticipated, as his presence is crucial for the team’s success.

Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to be a key player, offering strong defensive capabilities and versatile offensive skills. His performance will be critical in the Grizzlies’ bid to return to playoff contention and prove their doubters wrong.

FedExForum: The Home Advantage and What Tennessee Venus Represent

The FedExForum in Memphis, home to the Grizzlies, features state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant atmosphere that boosts player performance and fan engagement. Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, while primarily hosting the NHL’s Predators, occasionally welcomes basketball events, offering top-notch amenities and a central location.

Knoxville’s Thompson-Boling Arena, known for hosting the University of Tennessee’s basketball teams, provides a dynamic environment with a capacity of over 21,000. By following sports news and using the local betting apps in Tennessee, fans can stay updated on the latest draft news and insights, ensuring they are always in the loop.

The integration of these stadiums into the local sports culture significantly impacts the economy, driving tourism and local business revenue, while also fostering a deep connection between the teams and their supporters.

Comparisons to Other Teams: Boston Celtics’ Championship Journey

The rise of teams like the Boston Celtics, who led their team to a championship this year, highlights the competitive landscape of the NBA. The Celtics’ success story serves as both an inspiration and a benchmark for the Grizzlies as they aim to reclaim their position among the league’s elite.

Similarly, the growth of teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves underscores the challenges the Grizzlies face in the Western Conference. These teams have also been on an upward trajectory, making the competition for playoff spots even fiercer.

Challenges and Expectations: Overcoming Injuries and Suspensions

The Grizzlies’ journey has been marred by injuries and suspensions, which have significantly impacted their performance. Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for the team’s success in the upcoming season. The health and availability of key players like Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, as well as Zach Edey’s development will be determining factors.

Memphis fans have high expectations for their team, hoping for a return to the underdog success they experienced in previous seasons. The support from the fan base remains strong, and the team will need to channel this energy to overcome the setbacks and strive for a successful season.

The Road Ahead

To improve their standings, the Grizzlies need to make strategic adjustments both on and off the court. This includes optimizing player rotations, managing player health, and making tactical changes to their gameplay to adapt to the evolving dynamics of the league.

Investing in the development of young talent like Edey will also be essential. The Grizzlies have a roster with promising players who, with the right guidance and experience, can contribute significantly to the team’s future success. Focusing on their growth will be a key component of the team’s long-term strategy.

A Season of Uncertainty: Hope and Resilience

The upcoming season for the Memphis Grizzlies is filled with uncertainty, but also with hope and resilience. Despite the challenges, the team’s core strength, fan support, and strategic adjustments offer a pathway to potential success. The Grizzlies‘ journey will be one to watch closely as they strive to defy expectations and reclaim their place in the NBA’s competitive landscape.