The determination by the Memphis Grizzlies to take Zach Edey with the No. 9 decide within the NBA Draft was simply probably the most divisive determination of the top-10. To some, Edey is a prolific faculty powerhouse, a dominant expertise who was a no brainer, others see a physically-limited, low-upside heart who shall be eaten alive by the NBA’s athleticism. But irrespective of which aspect of the fence you fall on, there’s no debating that Edey is a genuinely nice dude.
This shined by way of on Thursday night time, when as a substitute of accepting an invitation to The Barclay’s Center to be part of the pomp and circumstance of the draft, as a substitute Edey spent the night along with his former Purdue teammates and watched all of it unfold on TV.
Edey knowledgeable the NBA final week that he wouldn’t be attending the draft in particular person, turning down his inexperienced room invite. He advised league officers that he was going to remain and watch along with his coaches, teammates, household and associates at Purdue — which included Mason Gillis, who transferred to Duke final month, however was nonetheless there to rejoice Edey’s massive second.
It’s facets like this of Edey’s persona which can make him a fan-favorite in Memphis. A real throwback heart in an period of stretch gamers, time will inform whether or not the experiment will work — however there’s little doubt that this child has his priorities in the precise place. Let’s be sincere for a second too: Staying residence was exceedingly good.
Speculation on the place Edey would possibly land ranged from the late teenagers, all the way in which out of the primary spherical. Obviously the story ended effectively for the Purdue massive man, however by staying away from the inexperienced room he dodged the embarrassment of ready all night time to listen to his identify known as solely to be met with silence, as Duke heart Kyle Filipowski did on Wednesday night time when he fell out of the primary spherical.
The new locale additionally allowed for Edey to get the complete “Art however Sports” therapy, one thing he wouldn’t have probably gotten in NYC.
It’s troublesome to not root for this child, and all of the gamers who obtained chosen on Wednesday night time. Memphis obtained a very good one.
