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The Wild stats are proof that Zach Edey is the NBA’s next big star

The Wild stats are proof that Zach Edey is the NBA’s next big star

The 2024 NBA Draft may have been targeted due to the lack of generational talent compared to previous classes, but it gave fans a gem in 7-foot-1 center Zach Edey.

Edey turned heads with some standout performances during the Memphis Grizzlies’ preseason. And as we shift gears into the 2024-25 season, one particular statistic has helped him literally and figuratively outperform the others in his draft class.

According to sports analyst Dean Oliver, the Grizzlies big man has recorded 21 stops so far in the preseason, more than anyone else in the NBA. He averages 1.31 points per game at this position. That’s an amazing feat considering the league average post-up points was 1.04 in the 2023-24 season.

Adding even more perspective to this wild statistic is Nikola Jokic, the league’s three-time MVP in post-ups, who averaged six per game and scored 1.14 points per possession.

The sample size is small and it could change if he plays real NBA games, but we may have gotten a glimpse that he can be good in the future.

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There has been considerable debate about the former Purdue star’s ability to play in today’s NBA.

Many wondered whether Edey could be successful given his size and traditional skills. Edey is a classic back-to-basket player with excellent touch at the rim; However, his style of play is almost extinct in the modern NBA as teams try to go smaller and faster.


He dominated during his final season at Purdue and led them to the National Championship game last season. However, they were knocked out by Dan Hurley and UConn.

It would be interesting to see him improve his defense and decision making outside the post. However, based on this wild statistic alone, it seems like he has the edge and is a favorite.