ZachEdey

News: 3 days agoEdey finished with 23 points (10-15 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-4 FT), nine rebounds, one assist and one steal across 19 minutes in Monday's 120-116 preseason win over the Pacers.

Spin: The rookie dominated the Pacers in the paint as he scored 23 points while shooting 66.7 percent from the field, tying Desmond Bane's game high in points as well. Edey is set to serve as the Grizzlies' starting center alongside Jaren Jackson in the frontcourt, and Edey has made an impact during the preseason while looking like a potential Rookie of the Year candidate. While preseason competition clearly differs from the regular season, the 22-year-old's play thus far bodes well for his role to begin the 2024-25 campaign.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Edey had a strong Summer League, quieting his critics, and is an early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. He’s one of the few rookies with a clear path to a starting role and should begin the season as the Grizzlies’ center. Expect him to be a consistent source of rebounds and blocks with a high field goal percentage. Edey will likely be the fourth or fifth scoring option behind Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. But Morant's drives could open up lob opportunities for the rookie and their pick-and-roll game has a chance to be effective early on as well, with Edey’s size making him a great screener.