Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey is literally and figuratively a big piece for the team this upcoming season.
Edey, who was drafted No. 9 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, is projected to start at center this season after coming off a second left ankle procedure. Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said on Sept. 28 that Edey is cleared for all activities.
However, that doesn't mean the team won't manage Edey's usage. The Grizzlies are in action on the road against the Atlanta Hawks in their preseason opener on Oct. 5. Edey is not expected to play.
“He’s still on the same path, like we’ve said,” Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said on Oct. 4. “Looking good for the start of the regular season. If he does play in the preseason, that designation will
be made later on.”
Edey has been a regular participant in practices leading up to the game. During the first practice, the Grizzlies held a two-a-day session in the afternoon and evening. Edey participated in the first portion before being limited later in the day.
Both the Grizzlies and Edey have communicated howthe regular season is priority with his availability.Memphis opens the regular season at home on Oct. 21 against the Utah Jazz (7 p.m., DAZN).
Edey played in 11 games last season. He averaged 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds. This came after he totaled 9.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest as a rookie.
With Edey out, new Grizzlies centers Isaiah Stewart and Quinten Post are expected to get more playing time. Rookie two-way player Carson Cooper will also factor in early in the preseason while the Grizzlies spread out minutes between players.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Will Grizzlies' Zach Edey play in preseason game vs Hawks? Injury update
