<!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>

Grizzlies reveal Zach Edey timeline after surgery

<!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/how-grizzlies-survive-without-zach-edey-injury-surgery-until-next-march-madness');   ga('set', 'title', 'How Grizzlies must survive without Zach Edey until next March Madness');   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/How-Grizzlies-can-survive-without-Zach-Edey-until-next-March-Madness.jpg"></figure><h1>How Grizzlies must survive without Zach Edey until next March Madness</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-09T18:17:06-07:00">June 9th, 6:17pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-09T18:17:06-07:00">June 9th, 6:17pm</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>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/sources-grizzlies-news-memphis-getting-mentioned-two-lowkey-big-men-league-circles-nba-offseason-trade-rumors-all-star-big-men">Memphis Grizzlies’ offseason plans were abruptly recalibrated</a> when rookie center Zach Edey underwent surgery for <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45470550/sources-grizzlies-edey-ankle-surgery-miss-start-season" rel="noopener">excessive ligamentous laxity</a> in his left ankle, sidelining him indefinitely. With their 7-foot-4 anchor of the future expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 season, new head coach Tuomas Iisalo faces an early defining challenge. Yet within this setback lies an opportunity to define roles, set rebounding standards, and accelerate the tactical evolution of a team determined to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/how-grizzlies-ja-morant-improved-offensively-under-tuomas-iisalo-stats">contend around a Ja Morant-led core.</a></p><p>EVP/GM Zach Kleiman will look at cheaper, veteran minimum, or MLE options, sure. Jake LaRavia or <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/exclusive-grizzlies-news-marvin-bagley-iii-keeping-everything-in-perspective-after-nba-playoffs-sweep-free-agency">Marvin Bagley III returning to the Grizzlies</a> would not be surprising. Bismack Biyombo would provide veteran leadership but little else to the 10-man rotations. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl has some decent NBA wisdom and a bit more versatility as a complementary piece, though he is in no way a rim protector. Watch for former Edey foil Drew Timme in Memphis should the Brooklyn Nets have to deal with a trade-related roster crunch.</p><p>Yet, no one comes close to providing Edey’s unique one-of-one screen-assisting, shot-altering skillset. Without Edey, Memphis loses not just production but a gravitational force that shaped opponent game plans. That’s why the Grizzlies need to get creative with what they’ve got and avoid big salary cap hits. More small ball must be part of the equation. Scotty Pippen Jr. thrived as a two-way initiator under Iisalo. Expand his role to reduce Morant’s creation burden while developing GG Jackson or Vince Williams as switchable power forwards.</p><p>Iisalo’s pick-and-roll-heavy approach will keep Ja Morant and Desmond Bane in attack mode, while Santi Aldama and Jaylen Wells provide spacing. Signing Precious Achiuwa or Thomas Bryant would address specific needs without breaking the bank, allowing Memphis to maintain flexibility for future moves. Ben Simmons, if willing and healthy, is a curveball option for Iisalo to get extremely weird with the bench rotations.</p><p>Past that, there is not much else on offer for the Grizzlies to consider. Jaren Jackson Jr., Jay Huff, GG Jackson, and Santi Aldama will have to soldier on in an attempt to finally fix their rebounding woes. While Jackson Jr., Aldama, and Huff can shoot from beyond the arc, clearing the boards must be the frontcourt focus in training camp. That is the only way to survive without Edey or reinforcements for the first few months of the 2025-26 campaign.</p><h2><b>Grizzlies need patience</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Grizzlies-center-Zach-Edey-14-and-Oklahoma-City-Thunder-forward-Chet-Holmgren-7-battle.jpg"><figcaption>Petre Thomas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Zach Edey’s rookie impact transcended his modest averages (9.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG). Under Iisalo’s interim stewardship late last season, he became a system cornerstone. Arguably the most notable personnel shift under Iisalo besides Ja Morant’s usage rate was Edey’s increased importance (9.3 PPG, 13.4 RPG), especially on the boards. Edey’s 94 rebounds in the final six regular-season games underscored a growing importance.</p><p>The First-Team All-Rookie honoree posted a 14-point, 17-rebound statline in his postseason debut against the Golden State Warriors. Another star NBA Play-In Tournament performance (15 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks) against the Dallas Mavericks gave the Grizzlies hope. Iisalo’s decision to give Edey more minutes (from 20.8 to 29.7 per game in April) and utilize him in closing lineups paid dividends, particularly in securing second-chance opportunities.</p><p>Iisalo’s European coaching background, where he worked with bigs in dynamic pick-and-roll systems, translated well to Edey’s skill set. By pairing Edey with Morant in high pick-and-rolls, Iisalo created <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?TeamID=1610612763&amp;dir=A&amp;sort=REB" rel="noopener">opportunities for lobs and offensive rebounds</a> (2.8 per game in the NBA Playoffs), reducing the pressure on Morant to carry the scoring load single-handedly.</p><p>“I see Zach more as a key piece for us in all of this,” Iisalo<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/article/grizzlies-tuomas-iisalo-prioritizing-ahead-010158150.html" rel="noopener"> noted before the postseason began</a>. “(Edey) has been doing a great job of providing that solidness throughout.”</p><p>The Thunder kept Zach Edey in check, but Ja Morant was still claiming to have figured out the top seed. Thankfully, despite the unglamorous sweep, the Grizzlies figured out how Edey works with the team’s most talented star. Tuomas Iisalo’s job is treading water without a replacement to start next season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

How Grizzlies must survive without Zach Edey until next March Madness

<!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-memphis-dealt-tough-zach-edey-update-after-offseason-injury');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grizzlies dealt tough Zach Edey update after offseason injury');   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/Zach-Edey-Grizzlies.jpg"><figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Grizzlies dealt tough Zach Edey update after offseason injury</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-07T12:43:20-07:00">June 7th, 12:43pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-07T13:35:40-07:00">June 7th, 1:35pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Memphis Grizzlies</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Memphis Grizzlies <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1931421208441983132" rel="noopener">received a major setback</a> on Saturday as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that All-Rookie center Zach Edey re-sprained his left ankle during an offseason workout and will undergo surgery to re-stabilize the joint.</p><p>The 23-year-old center is expected to miss the start of the 2025-26 NBA season. Edey’s latest injury marks the third time he has aggravated the same ankle since <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-news-memphis-biggest-zach-edey-concern-after-summer-league">initially suffering the sprain during Summer League action last July</a>.</p><h2><b>Grizzlies announce surgery after Zach Edey re-aggravates ankle</b></h2><p>The Grizzlies confirmed the development in an official statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.</p><p>“During an offseason training session this week, Edey re-sprained his left ankle. Imaging revealed excessive ligamentous laxity, which will require Edey to undergo surgery to address the laxity and re-stabilize his ankle.</p><p>A preliminary timeline will be provided following surgery, but Edey is expected to make a full recovery.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/memgrizz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@memgrizz</a> today announced the following medical update for Zach Edey. <a href="https://t.co/4nGCCNVm0n">pic.twitter.com/4nGCCNVm0n</a></p><p>— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrizzliesPR/status/1931422767712186513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>Edey, the 7-foot-4 rookie out of Purdue, played in 66 games for Memphis during the 2024-25 season. He averaged 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 58% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc. His production earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team.</p><p>Edey initially <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-news-zach-edey-injury-update-lakers-clash">aggravated his ankle again in a November matchup against the Denver Nuggets</a>. He appeared to tweak it during the first half and attempted to return after halftime but was forced to exit once more. The injury caused him to miss 12 games.</p><p>The Grizzlies were hopeful that with a full offseason, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-news-gm-calls-out-wild-zach-edey-discourse-after-rookie-season">Edey could take a step forward in Year 2</a>. Now the franchise must monitor his recovery closely while considering potential reinforcements at the center position.</p><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

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