People laughed when the Memphis Grizzlies took Zach Edey 9th overall. They said he was too slow for the modern NBA. A "relic." Well, looking at the floor right now, it’s pretty clear the Grizzlies aren't the ones looking foolish.
Zach Edey is huge. Like, historically huge. But it’s not just the 7-foot-4 frame that has people in Memphis buzzing—it’s how he’s actually playing the game. He isn't just standing there.
The Sophomore Leap and the Injury Reality
Honestly, the 2025-26 season has been a bit of a roller coaster for the big man. If you've been checking the box scores lately, you might have noticed a glaring absence. As of mid-January 2026, the Zach Edey Memphis Grizzlies era is currently on a temporary hiatus.
A stress reaction in his left ankle has him sidelined. It's frustrating. The team announced on January 14, 2026, that he’s going to miss another six weeks. This comes after he already missed the start of the season recovering from offseason surgery on that same ankle. When he has been on the court, though? Absolute monster.
In the 11 games he managed to play this season before the latest setback, the numbers were kind of ridiculous:
- 13.6 points per game
- 11.1 rebounds per game
- 1.9 blocks per game
- 63.3% from the field
He’s basically averaging a double-double in just 25 minutes of action. That’s efficiency you usually only see in video games.
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Why Zach Edey Memphis Grizzlies Stats Matter More Than You Think
You can’t just look at the points. That’s the mistake people make. The real "Edey Effect" is what happens to everyone else when he’s occupying the paint.
Take the Sacramento Kings game on November 30, 2025. Edey went off for a career-high 32 points and 17 rebounds. He also swatted 5 shots. He became only the third player in Grizzlies history to put up a 30/15/3 line, joining the likes of Pau Gasol and Zach Randolph. That is elite company for a 23-year-old.
But notice the rebounding percentages. When Edey is on the floor, the Grizzlies have been grabbing over 80% of opponents' misses. That is insane. It’s not just that he’s tall; it’s that he’s heavy. You can't move him. He clears out space so guys like Jaren Jackson Jr. can actually focus on being the "unicorn" defenders they are meant to be.
The Defensive Gravity
Most critics thought Edey would be a liability on defense. "He'll get cooked in the pick-and-roll," they said. Sorta. He’s not chasing Stephen Curry around the perimeter, obviously. But his defensive EPM (Estimated Plus-Minus) has been near the top of the league.
He’s a deterrent. Players drive into the lane, see a literal mountain, and just... turn around. His block rate has jumped from 5.6% as a rookie to 7.3% this season. He is learning how to use his length without fouling as much, although the 3.4 fouls per game still show he’s a work in progress.
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The Problem With the Fit?
There is a conversation happening in Memphis about the chemistry with Ja Morant. It’s a valid point. Ja wants a wide-open lane to explode toward the rim. Edey, by nature, takes up that lane.
Some analysts suggest that Edey might actually be better suited for the "second unit" or a modified starting lineup where he doesn't clog the paint for Ja. But the counter-argument is the offensive rating. With Edey on the floor, the Grizzlies' offensive rating has spiked to 120.3. Without him? It’s been hovering near the bottom of the league at 109.9.
The gravity he creates on the block forces doubles, which opens up everything for the shooters. Vince Williams Jr., for example, has looked like a different player next to Edey, racking up career-high assist numbers by simply feeding the big man or playing off the attention he draws.
Dealing with the "Bust" Allegations
Is he injury-prone? That’s the big question right now. Two major ankle issues in one year is a red flag for a guy that size. The Grizzlies are being ultra-conservative, hence the extra six weeks of "offloading" and rehab.
But calling him a bust because of an ankle is wild. You can't teach 7'4" and you certainly can't teach the soft touch he has around the rim. He’s shooting 78% from the free-throw line this year. For a center that size, that is a massive weapon. You can't just "Hack-a-Edey" to get out of trouble.
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What to Expect Upon His Return
When he comes back—likely in late February or early March—expect the Grizzlies to be very careful with his minutes. They need him healthy for the long term.
- Lower Minutes, Higher Usage: They'll probably keep him around 20-22 minutes but run the offense through him when he's out there.
- More High-Low Sets: Look for more sets where Jaren Jackson Jr. plays at the elbow and feeds Edey deep in the paint.
- Transition Focus: One area he needs to improve is the outlet pass. If he can grab the board and trigger the break immediately, the Grizzlies become terrifying.
The Zach Edey Memphis Grizzlies partnership is still in its honeymoon phase, despite the medical setbacks. He has already proven he can dominate NBA-level starters. Now, he just needs his body to cooperate.
If you’re tracking Edey's progress, keep an eye on his lateral movement when he returns. That will be the true test of whether the ankle is fully healed. If he can still slide those feet enough to stay in "drop" coverage, the Grizzlies are a lock for a deep playoff run. If not, the questions about his long-term durability will only get louder.
For now, Memphis fans just have to wait. But if that 32-point outburst in Sacramento was any indication, the wait will be well worth it.
Actionable Insights for Grizzlies Fans and Analysts:
- Monitor Injury Reports: Watch for the re-evaluation update in late February; this will determine if he’s on track for a pre-playoff return.
- Watch the On/Off Splits: When Edey returns, compare the Grizzlies' rebounding percentage with him versus when Brandon Clarke is at center.
- Scout the Free Throw Rate: Edey’s ability to get to the line (2.9 attempts in limited minutes) is key to Memphis winning the "math game" in close matchups.