A lot of NBA fans and analysts were surprised the Memphis Grizzlies went ahead and picked Purdue Boilermakers big man Zach Edey during the 2024 NBA Draft. This prompted general manager Zach Kleiman to explain the franchise’s decision on the matter.
Edey was recently drafted ninth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA Draft. Prior to going pro, the Canadian big man had a highly successful college career at Purdue University from 2020 to 2024.
![Memphis Grizzlies GM Explains Decision To Draft Zach Edey 1 Purdue Boilermakers, Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_22980356_168400517_lowres-scaled.jpg)
During his time at Purdue, Edey emerged as one of the top players in the country. He was named the Big Ten Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, and earned consensus National Player of the Year honors in those seasons as well. Edey also won the Pete Newell Big Man Award and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award twice, cementing his status as one of the best big men in college basketball.
In his senior year, the center led Purdue to the NCAA championship game, where they fell just short of the title. He finished the 2023-24 season as the NCAA’s scoring leader, averaging over 20 points per game. His dominant college career made him a highly coveted prospect, leading to his selection in the first round by the Grizzlies.
Memphis Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman Explains Why Purdue’s Zach Edey Was Selected
![Memphis Grizzlies GM Explains Decision To Draft Zach Edey 2 Purdue Boilermakers, Zach Edey, Purdue Boilermakers, Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_22978537-scaled.jpg)
Several mock drafts projected Edey being selected out of the top 10, leading many fans to question Memphis’ decision on the Purdue star. In response, general manager Zach Kleiman explained why in a pair of tweets posted by Drew Hill.
“Zach Edey is a particularly special fit for this group,” Hill quoted Kleiman.
“Let’s just say this is exactly what we were hoping would happen tonight,” Kleiman added.
Over the course of four seasons, Edey averaged 18.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game. While he is projected to set screens, grab rebounds, and catch lobs from All-Star point guard Ja Morant, his inability to space the floor may prove to be a detriment down the line.
![Memphis Grizzlies GM Explains Decision To Draft Zach Edey 3 DJ Burns Jr., NC State Wolfpack, Purdue Boilermakers, Zach Edey](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_22957160_168400517_lowres.jpg)
If ever Edey develops his outside shot, his value will surely skyrocket for the Grizzlies. In any case, a lot of eyes will be on the big man to see how he’ll perform at the pro level.
![Memphis Grizzlies GM Explains Decision To Draft Zach Edey 4 Purdue Boilermakers, Zach Edey](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_22978542_168400517_lowres-1.jpg)
For More Great Basketball Content
Follow me on Twitter at @BeatKit22 and follow us @HardwoodHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional sports, click here!