<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-funky-lineups-ja-morant-zach-edey-jaren-jackson-jr');   ga('set', 'title', 'Why Grizzlies must try 4 funky lineups while Zach Edey ramps up');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ja-Morant-and-Tuoman-Iisalo-on-March-29-2025.jpg"><figcaption>Petre Thomas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Why Grizzlies must try 4 funky lineups while Zach Edey ramps up</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-08T16:49:45-07:00">September 8th, 4:49pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-08T16:49:45-07:00">September 8th, 4:49pm</time><address><a>Chris Dodson</a>Chris Dodson is a Memphis Grizzlies beat reporter for ClutchPoints who has also covered the New Orleans Pelicans. He has covered Louisiana high school and college basketball in spurts for over a decade. A basketball lifer from the bayou, his gumbo-stirring form matches his elbow jumper celebrations. Fast enough for varsity hoops, tall enough for a soccer scholarship. He has words and will travel, just not on the court.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Early-season tinkering in the NBA is not just fun for the fans; it is essential to front offices in identifying gaps before the trade deadline. That is especially <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/exclusive-tuomas-iisalo-grizzlies-rebooting-grit-and-grind-culture-ja-morant-jaren-jackson-jr">true for the Memphis Grizzlies</a> as the franchise enters the 2025-26 season with Ja Morant’s first new head coach and fresh questions about their identity under Tuomas Iisalo. Is Jaren Jackson Jr. really an elite defensive star capable of 25 points per game, or was that potential just a mirage? The same <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-zach-edey-avoid-ugly-bust-whispers-next-season">doubts persist regarding Zach Edey</a>‘s All-Rookie campaign.</p><p>With Edey (ankle) <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45488490/grizzlies-edey-ankle-surgery-miss-start-season" rel="noopener">sidelined to start the season</a>, Iisalo faces an immediate challenge: piecing together effective rotations from a reshaped roster. Iisalo leaned on Edey heavily after taking over last season out of an urgent necessity. Now the task is less about establishing a permanent hierarchy and more about a strategic evaluation. The lineups Iisalo uses in the early months will serve as a live audit for the front office, identifying needs ahead of the NBA trade deadline.</p><h2><b>Grizzlies get new look</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/JA-Morant-Jaren-Jackson.jpg"><figcaption>Petre Thomas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Tuomas Iisalo will definitely need a new starting lineup now that Desmond Bane is balling for the Orlando Magic. Ja Morant will obviously open at the point; Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provides shooting and defensive length at the two-guard spot. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-news-jaylen-wells-waves-off-fandom-miami-heat-talking-weird-nba-moments-jimmy-butler-taj-gibson">Jaylen Wells doing a Jimmy Butler impersonation</a> on the wing is the best for his development early in the season. A frontcourt featuring Jaren Jackson Jr. as a nominal power forward alongside Brandon Clarke should form a starting five capable of shooting, running, and rebounding the ball.</p><ul><li><b>PG:</b> Ja Morant</li><li><b>SG:</b> Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</li><li><b>SF:</b> Jaylen Wells</li><li><b>PF:</b> Jaren Jackson Jr.</li><li><b>C:</b> Brandon Clarke</li></ul><p>Training camp battles are usually won and lost in the five-on-five runs. The first five up need stiff competition to get ready. Edey is in a battle with Clarke and Jock Landale for minutes, but unfortunately, Iisalo will not get to make direct comparisons. Like Edey, Cedric Coward may not be ready for the start of the season either; therefore, Iisalo is left with a second unit of Scotty Pippen Jr., Vince Williams, GG Jackson, Santi Aldama, and Landale.</p><p>Ty Jerome, John Konchar, and Cam Spencer will look to supplant a few of those second-liners. Add PJ Hall, Lawson Lovering, Tyler Burton, and Oliver-Maxence Prosper for some nice bench vs. bench battles while the starters rest. Mix and match the teams as necessary.</p><h2><b>Shooting for the stars</b></h2><p>New two-way addition <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-2-way-gamble-2023-nba-first-round-pick">Oliver-Maxence Prosper might get the first crack</a> at an elevated role off the bench. Why? Well, getting the best three-point shooters some minutes will have to be a priority. Prosper shot 42% from beyond the arc in the G-League to get a reclamation project investment from the Grizzlies.</p><p>Scotty Pippen Jr. (39.7%) is the best three-point shooter returning from last season’s roster. Ty Jerome (43.9%) topped that mark playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jaren Jackson Jr. (37.5%) and Santi Aldama (36.8%) have the size to shoot over most defenders, along with the accuracy to keep an opponent honest.</p><ul><li><b>PG:</b> Scotty Pippen Jr.</li><li><b>SG:</b> Ty Jerome/John Konchar</li><li><b>SF:</b> Oliver-Maxence Prosper</li><li><b>PF:</b> Santi Aldama</li><li><b>C:</b> Jaren Jackson Jr.</li></ul><p>Ja Morant (30.9%) and Jaylen Wells (35.2%) will need to get some water breaks before the fourth quarter. This lineup would give Jackson Jr. and Aldama room to grow as a tandem. Pippen Jr. (6’1”) gives up some size on defense but deserves a shot at running the offense after that postseason run. Jerome or Konchar (both 6’5”) can help with the ball-handling duties.</p><p>Just imagine this shooting lineup going against Morant, Wells, Jackson, Clarke, and Landale in training camp. The contrast of styles would make for some great bragging rights runs.</p><h2><b>Going big on Beale Street</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Santi-Aldama.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Grizzlies will just have to go on Bully-Mode to truly protect the homecourt advantage. Not too many teams can counter what the Beale Street Bruisers can offer. Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, and Jock Landale can all shoot from three-point range. They have overwhelming height to help with rebounding. Jackson Jr. and Aldama can drive, kick, and finish at the rim. It should be a recipe for a blowout clinching run against smaller, lottery-bound teams.</p><ul><li><b>PG:</b> Ja Morant</li><li><b>SG:</b> Jaylen Wells/GG Jackson</li><li><b>SF:</b> Santi Aldama</li><li><b>PF:</b> Jaren Jackson Jr.</li><li><b>C:</b> Jock Landale</li></ul><p>That trio with a shifty Morant prodding the paint would give opponents problems on offense. Add Jaylen Wells (6’8”) or GG Jackson (6’9”) for their size and see what shakes out. Both Wells and Jackson need to see more looks for the Grizzlies to truly determine their long-term value. Throw this lineup on the court against <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-news-espn-votes-zion-williamson-most-likely-star-request-trade">Zion Williamson’s shorthanded New Orleans Pelicans</a> on opening night and be ready to learn some lessons.</p><h2><b>Closing out crucial wins</b></h2><p>The last five minutes are far more important than the first five minutes of a 48-minute slugfest. Tuomas Iisalo has to find a way to secure victories in close games. The Grizzlies have failed to figure this out for multiple seasons. Finding another wing contributor might be the biggest priority for the front office through the next NBA trade deadline.</p><p>Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. will lead the way. The Grizzlies did not give Santi Aldama $52 million to watch the most important plays from the sidelines. The two wing spots are still to be determined at a later date. Kleiman may need to trade for a better fit if Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s three-point shooting remains below 38%.</p><p>Ty Jerome was brought in for these exact situations. Morant, Jerome, Wells, Aldama, and Jackson Jr. should get the first shot at closing out a tough win. However, even the sensational second-rounder would be on thin ice if the three-point accuracy is below 35%. Wells started as a can-not-miss rookie but ended the year on a months-long cold streak, hitting only 30.3% from beyond the arc over the final 35 games.</p><p>Without established chemistry and with key players still developing, Iisalo must embrace experimentation early in his tenure. The data gathered from these unconventional groups will provide a blueprint for the front office, revealing what exactly is needed to make an NBA Playoffs run. Thankfully, the beauty lies in the optionality.</p><p>The Grizzlies can go big or small, prioritize shooting or defense, and adjust based on matchups. But until Edey returns and the young players establish their roles, these funky lineups aren’t just experimental; they are essential. The question isn’t whether Iisalo will use unconventional combinations, but whether he can find the right ones quickly enough to keep Memphis competitive in a loaded Western Conference.</p><p>Failure could necessitate significant roster changes before the trade deadline. Either way, the early months of Iisalo’s tenure promise to be anything but the same old Grit and Grind product that Taylor Jenkins kept trotting out.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Why Grizzlies must try 4 funky lineups while Zach Edey ramps up

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-news-zach-edey-reckless-driving-case');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grizzlies’ Zach Edey settles reckless driving case');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Edey-vs-the-Thunder.jpg"><figcaption>Petre Thomas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Grizzlies’ Zach Edey settles reckless driving case</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-07-24T08:39:25-07:00">July 24th, 8:39am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-07-24T08:39:25-07:00">July 24th, 8:39am</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Memphis Grizzlies</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Earlier this offseason, Memphis Grizzlies center <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-news-zach-edey-charged-101-mph-reckless-driving">Zach Edey found himself in some legal hot water</a> after he was cited for reckless driving in May. The incident occurred shortly after the Grizzlies’ season had come to an end with a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/3-memphis-grizzlies-most-to-blame-for-thunder-sweep-to-complete-season-collapse">sweep at the hands of the eventual NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.</a></p><p>Now, it appears that Edey has <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2025/07/23/zach-edey-punished-in-speeding-case/" rel="noopener">resolved the situation.</a></p><p>“Court records we obtained show the 23-year-old admitted to a speeding infraction and agreed to pay $639.50 … and in exchange, officials dropped the misdemeanor reckless driving charge he had been facing,” reported TMZ.</p><p>Edey was allegedly going 101 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone at the time he was stopped.</p><p>Prior to that mishap, Edey had put together a solid rookie season with the Grizzlies, predictably becoming a force as a rebounder and also showing some of the touch around the basket that he displayed during his time with Purdue.</p><p>Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep the Grizzlies from continuing the regression that has defined their franchise over the last couple of seasons. Toward the end of the year, the Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins, and they still haven’t gotten a healthy season out of Ja Morant in a few years.</p><p>This offseason, the Grizzlies raised eyebrows by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for a treasure trove of first round draft picks, and the team also signed backup point guard Ty Jerome to a nice contract after his breakout season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Grizzlies’ brass seemed to show confidence that Edey is ready for an increased role next season by trading Jay Huff to the Indiana Pacers, which will theoretically give Edey even more time manning the frontcourt by himself when surrounded by smaller lineups.</p><p>In any case, the Grizzlies’ schedule for the 2025-26 season is slated to be released in August. Edey will likely be happy to have the legal situation behind him so he can focus fully on the task at hand.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Grizzlies’ Zach Edey settles reckless driving case

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-should-consider-domantas-sabonis-zach-edey-mentor');   ga('set', 'title', 'How Grizzlies can add Domantas Sabonis as Zach Edey’s mentor');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Why-Grizzlies-should-consider-Domantas-Sabonis-as-Zach-Edeys-mentor-1.jpg"></figure><h1>How Grizzlies can add Domantas Sabonis as Zach Edey’s mentor</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-19T13:07:47-07:00">June 19th, 1:07pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-19T13:07:47-07:00">June 19th, 1:07pm</time><address><a>Chris Dodson</a>Chris Dodson is a Memphis Grizzlies beat reporter for ClutchPoints who has also covered the New Orleans Pelicans. He has covered Louisiana high school and college basketball in spurts for over a decade. A basketball lifer from the bayou, his gumbo-stirring form matches his elbow jumper celebrations. Fast enough for varsity hoops, tall enough for a soccer scholarship. He has words and will travel, just not on the court.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>EVP/GM Zach Kleiman did not mince words when it came to this team’s readiness to complete and the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-ja-morant-shares-tough-reaction-desmond-bane-trade">Memphis Grizzlies have made some bold moves</a> to kickstart the offseason. This makes the second consecutive summer the front office has taken an against-the-grain swing at solidifying the future. Standing at 7-foot-4 with a dominant college resume, 2024 NBA Draft pick <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/how-grizzlies-survive-without-zach-edey-injury-surgery-until-next-march-madness">Zach Edey has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone next to Ja Morant</a>. Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis would be a great mentor, but the cost this summer is probably too steep.</p><p>Being stuck in a holding pattern until August 15 is the first obvious hurdle. Unfortunately, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($21.6m) and Cole Anthony ($13.1m) cannot be aggregated in a trade until then. A deal for Sabonis ($43.6m) would have to include Jaren Jackson Jr. beforehand. That is very unlikely; the NBA’s market mayhem will provide too much urgency to complete other negotiations. Still, the idea is worth a Summer League executive chat.</p><h2><b>Zach Edey, Grizzlies going big</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Why-Grizzlies-should-consider-Domantas-Sabonis-as-Zach-Edeys-mentor.jpg"><figcaption>Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The NBA has shifted toward smaller, faster wing-based lineups, but Domantas Sabonis has proven <a href="https://www.nba.com/player/1627734/domantas-sabonis" rel="noopener">traditional bigs can still dominate</a> with the right approach. Zach Edey’s size, strength, and interior presence offer the Grizzlies a unique weapon for the rest of the decade under the right circumstances. However, Kleiman had to know the Canadian’s transition to the NBA would require careful development to maximize his potential.</p><p>While neither Sabonis nor Edey are elite athletes by NBA standards, the 29-year-old has thrived by leveraging his basketball IQ, footwork, and positioning. Edey could benefit immensely from studying how Sabonos navigates defensive coverages, uses pump fakes, and creates angles to score efficiently without relying on explosiveness. For example, Sabonis excels at using his body to seal defenders, creating easy scoring opportunities.</p><p>Edey needs to learn how to leverage his size similarly while adding subtle soft touch skills around the rim. Additionally, Sabonis is respectable when defending in space. Though not elite by any means and never comfortable against upper-echelon ballhandlers, Sabonis is a decent example of how an intelligent big man can survive in pick-and-roll-heavy schemes.</p><p>Sabonis is arguably a better-suited mentor than non-shooters relegated to the dunker’s spot like Jarrett Allen or Nic Claxton as well. While Edey dominated college basketball with sheer size and touch around the rim, Sabonis has mastered the art of playmaking from the high post. Learning how to facilitate from the elbow or short roll would make Edey a more versatile offensive threat with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.</p><p>Then there is the professionalism both on and off the court. Sabonis is a leader for the Kings, fostering team chemistry and handling media scrutiny with poise. He has gracefully dealt with De’Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine since being traded to Sacramento. For Edey, who will face intense scrutiny after being clocked at 100+ miles per hour in a Kia Sorrento, learning how to carry himself as a professional confidently will ease the transition amid increased expectations.</p><h2><b>No ransom for Kings</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kings-Big-3.jpg"><figcaption>Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Domantas Sabonis has an albatross of a contract suppressing his value in the current market. The Kings signed up for $42.3 million next season, $45.4 million in 2026-27, and a $48.6 million cap hit when Sabonis is 32 years old. It’s a tough sell in a buyer’s market, especially while Kevin Durant is still available.</p><p>The Grizzlies would be paying for the 11th-most-expensive big, but Tuomas Iisalo may not have that sort of showcase role available. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-ja-morant-makes-guarantee-after-calling-cap-on-stephen-a-smith">Sources stress that Ja Morant will be the centerpiece</a>. Jaren Jackson Jr. is an All-NBA talent with plenty of political capital built up within the organization and fanbase. The Kings will have to understand the lowball offers if they get stuck trying to shop Sabonis in September. This framework represents a market ceiling.</p><ul><li><b>Grizzlies receive:</b></li><li><b>Kings receive:</b></li></ul><p>Selecting Purdue’s towering center was seen as a gamble by many, yet the All-Rookie big man returned even-money dividends when healthy. Zach Edey averaged 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and an assist on 58% shooting (34.6% 3PA). However, his gradual transition to the NBA game is still a work in progress. The league’s speed, spacing, and defensive schemes will continue to present challenges for traditional All-Star caliber big men. The Grizzlies must understand that when shopping for a mentor.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

How Grizzlies can add Domantas Sabonis as Zach Edey’s mentor

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-news-zach-edey-charged-101-mph-reckless-driving');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grizzlies’ Zach Edey charged with 101 mph reckless driving');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Zach-Edey-of-the-Memphis-Grizzlies.jpg"><figcaption>Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Grizzlies’ Zach Edey charged with 101 mph reckless driving</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-18T16:58:38-07:00">June 18th, 4:58pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-18T16:58:38-07:00">June 18th, 4:58pm</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Memphis Grizzlies</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-reveal-zach-edey-timeline-after-surgery">Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey</a> was recently charged with reckless driving after allegedly driving 101 mph. The incident took place in Indiana, where he attended college at Purdue University.</p><p>Reports indicate that Edey was driving <a href="https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2025/06/18/former-purdue-basketball-star-zach-edey-charged-with-reckless-driving-tippecanoe-county-kia-sorento/84263023007/?taid=68530233b24c5f00014bd3d0&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter" rel="noopener">101 mph in a 55 mph zone</a>, according to Ron Wilkins of the Indy Star. The 23-year-old center was pulled over on the night of May 1, just days after the Grizzlies were eliminated from the playoffs. Zach Edey explained to officers that the reason he was driving so fast was that he was trying to pass a vehicle.</p><p>“Police say they stopped former Purdue basketball star Zach Edey on May 1, driving 101 mph in a 55 mph zone on Indiana 25 in southern Tippecanoe County. Edey’s northbound Kia Sorento passed the Indiana State Police trooper’s southbound vehicle at 7:03 p.m., according to a probable cause affidavit. When the trooper caught up to the speeding car, Edey turned eastbound on Tippecanoe County Road 700 South and stopped.</p><p>“Edey has an initial hearing at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Tippecanoe Superior 6 on a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving. Edey, 23, of Memphis, told police he was trying to pass a vehicle as an explanation for speeding.”</p><p>Zach Edey’s reckless driving incident will likely become water under the bridge once he attends his hearing. He just wrapped up his first year in the NBA playing for the Grizzlies. After serving as a superstar talent for Purdue, the 7-foot-4 center displayed flashes of potential in Memphis. He ended his rookie season averaging 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while owning a 58.0% field goal percentage and shooting 34.6% from beyond the arc.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/stephen-a-smiths-ja-morant-grizzlies-take-debunked-by-memphis-mayor">The Grizzlies will hope</a> he takes a big step in development over the offseason and improves upon his production. If he can find a way to become an even more efficient scorer, rebounder, and blocker, then he could serve as a great complement to Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Grizzlies’ Zach Edey charged with 101 mph reckless driving

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-reveal-zach-edey-timeline-after-surgery');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grizzlies reveal Zach Edey timeline after surgery');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Edey.jpg"><figcaption>Petre Thomas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Grizzlies reveal Zach Edey timeline after surgery</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-10T17:34:46-07:00">June 10th, 5:34pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-10T17:37:10-07:00">June 10th, 5:37pm</time><address><a>Miguel La Torre</a>Miguel La Torre is a lifelong sports junkie and seasoned sports writer whose passion for the game has been with him since childhood. A former soccer player turned dedicated runner, he's now chasing his dream of completing all seven major world marathons. Miguel is also a proud Utah Jazz believer, a passionate Manchester United and Real Madrid supporter, and loyal Novak Djokovic fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Memphis Grizzlies</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2024-25 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
9.2	8.3	1.0	1.3	0.5

2024-25 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
9.2	8.3	1.0	1.3	0.5

Zach Edey

Latest Zach Edey News

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Grizzlies’ Zach Edey charged with 101 mph reckless driving

Grizzlies reveal Zach Edey timeline after surgery

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