Zach Edey makes a very honest statement ahead of his NBA debut

The Memphis Grizzlies begin their 2024-25 NBA season on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz. This game will be the NBA debut of former Purdue star Zach Edey.

Edey was selected ninth overall by Memphis in the 2024 NBA Draft and is expected to start at center in Wednesday’s season opener. The 7-foot-4 center will play a specific role on both ends for Memphis.

Edey was drafted to protect the rim, secure rebounds and provide a solid screener and lob threat to Ja Morant. As a top-10 draft pick, Edey appears to be in a great basketball situation.

Ahead of his NBA debut, Edey spoke honestly about his mindset (via Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal).

“It’s definitely hard to sleep before a game like this,” Edey said. “It’ll be fine.”

Edey added: “It’s obviously going to be a different kind of level, but it’s still basketball. “It’s the sport I played.

The Grizzlies are hoping to get back into the Western Conference playoffs after injuries landed them in the lottery last season. This lottery pick ended up being Edey, so perhaps the Grizzlies can turn things around very quickly after a year off.

If Morant and Co. can stay healthy, the Grizzlies are expected to be a very good team this season.

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