No. 9 overall pick Zach Edey has signed a rookie scale contract with the Grizzlies, the team announced (via Twitter).
The 7’4″ Edey was named National Player of the Year in each of his last two seasons at Purdue. He averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.2 blocks per game this season as the Boilermakers reached the championship game of the NCAA Tournament. His other honors as a senior include All-Big Ten First Team, NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team and NCAA Midwest Region Most Valuable Player.
Despite his college accolades, Edey was originally viewed as questionable to be taken in the lottery because of doubts regarding how well he can adapt to the NBA game. He’ll join a Memphis team that’s in need of size and should give him plenty of playing time right away.
The Canadian center was on the preliminary roster for his country’s Olympic team, but he recently withdrew to concentrate on preparing for his first NBA season.
Assuming Edey received the maximum contract for the ninth pick, he will earn about $5.76MM as a rookie and approximately $26.2MM over the four-year deal. The Grizzlies will hold his third- and fourth-year options.
He’s come a long way. Has toughened up. Going to get better and better. Congratulations player.
I think his numbers will be similar to Jonas Valanciunas maybe higher but in todays NBA it will be tough.
I don’t think people understand how fast pace the NBA is. At Purdue the offense was solely giving him the ball and letting him go to work. I doubt the grizzlies are just going to wait for him to get up the court so he could go 1 on 1. Can somebody explain to me(without getting emotional) what is the difference between edey and tacko fall? or boban?
I’ll warn you that I am a lifelong Purdue fan! Zach’s points & rebounds were obviously better. And his FT shooting is sign better. Also Zach hit 14/25 threes at combine. Also at combine, Zach’s Lane Agility was 11.19 and Tacko’s was 13.01. Zach has good pick & pop potential that Purdue didn’t need him to develop since he was so dominant in post. Those are my thoughts!