Zach Edey Has Started The Season Off Dominant

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 26: Zach Eddy #14 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands courtside during the second half of the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 26, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Note to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading or using this photograph, User is agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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Although there is still time for his return, Memphis Grizzlies center Zack Eddy has performed remarkably well in the six games he has played this season.

It’s getting to the point where it’s becoming undeniable.

big players, big numbers

The 7’4 center, who checks in at nearly 300 pounds, remains a rebounding machine, pulling in 8.8 in just 23.5 minutes per night.

He has increased his scoring from nine to twelve points per game, and his efficiency (70.1 TS%) is very high.

It’s no surprise that AD is taking a ton of his shots – 58.1% of them, in fact – within three feet of the basket, with him converting them at a 72% clip.

Of note is that, early on, he is not being asked to create as a post player, but rather is functioning more as a play finisher, assisting on over 88% of the field goals he makes, compared to 63% last year.

This is the perfect way to play him, as going into big post-ups will reduce time on the clock, limit ball movement and obviously make it easier for the Grizzlies to defend.

Having AD react when the ball comes his way means far more offensive activity for the Grizzlies, and defenses will have to respond quickly with shots from center, which is easier said than done.

What will happen next?

With uncertainty looming over the future of Ja Morant and to a lesser extent Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies appear to have two weapons in AD and Cedric Coward who should be considered long-term pieces.

Neither player is the same player you can draft, but both can be drafted together, and while there is a difference, it is an asset.

For Eddy, it’s about finding ways to improve further. We’re seeing a bump in efficiency this year, as well as quicker touches off the line, but what comes after that?

He’s sporadically experimenting with the three-point shot, which will be an interesting weapon, but at the same time, he’s so big and powerful around the basket, you don’t want him to be out taking deep shots for no reason.

Perhaps, then, it becomes a question of further strengthening the areas in which he is already strong, in an attempt to become completely specialized in it.

This means not only becoming a great play-by-play finisher, but getting to the point where he is one of the top few options in the league.

With his rebounding – and immense size used as a defensive deterrent – ​​already in place, the path toward excellence appears clear.

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