Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey had a successful NBA rookie campaign last year. Edey, a Purdue native who was chosen ninth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, was fifth in the Rookie of the Year voting for his efforts in the 2024-25 campaign.
After gaining a berth in the starting lineup, he made 66 appearances, including 55 starts. The 23-year-old big man shot 58.0% from the field and 70.9% from the free-throw line while averaging 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
Edey’s efficiency around the basket made him a consistent option in the paint, and his size and rim protection provided Memphis with a dependable inside presence. Due to offseason surgery on his left ankle, Edey was unable to start the 2025-26 season. Before Monday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, he had only made four appearances. He scored two points and grabbed one rebound in his first six minutes of play.
However, Edey left the game early in the first quarter and went straight back to the locker room. The Grizzlies revealed shortly after that he had a brain injury and was unlikely to make a comeback. “Zach Edey (Head) is doubtful to return tonight vs. Denver,” the team wrote on X. Edey’s injury and its severity are still unknown.
Edey had only returned nine days prior and was participating in his fifth game back, so this is a regrettable development. Without All-Star point guard Ja Morant, the Grizzlies are already short-staffed, and their chances of winning the season are dwindling.
Edey’s ability to finish well around the basket helped stabilise the offence, and his presence in the paint offers the Grizzlies a reliable rebounder and shot blocker. The team will rely on smaller lineups that find it difficult to match up physically if he is lost again, which means forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and backup centre Jock Landale will play more minutes.
Missing further time may hinder the development of a young big man who is still developing consistency and reduce the synergy Memphis needs to get back into the playoff fight.