Zach Edey reacts to critics after the NBA rookie season

Zach Edey may not have played with the type of consistency that he had hoped for as a rookie in the NBA, but it cannot be denied that the former Purdue superstar had a strong first season with the Memphis grizzlies. In fact, his year was so impressive that he could later be included in the NBA all-rookie team in spring.

Edey admitted that he still has a lot of space to grow, but there is a level of satisfaction that is successfully accompanied in his first NBA season. It is an opportunity to prove his doubts that they were wrong in the league.

On Sunday, Edey led his exit interview in Memphis after his first season. The team season ended on Saturday after a defeat of 117-115 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game 4 of the NBA playoffs. The grizzlies were swept as No. 8 after reaching the field.

In his exit interview, Edey was asked how it would feel if he were recognized as an NBA all-rookie selection. He is not a stranger for awards after winning the international of the year in Purdue in two seasons, but he admitted that this kind of honor could be a little sweeter.

“I think that could mean a little more,” said Edey. “There are many people who receive a lot of money who say many things about me how I would be in the NBA, and the type of future I would have. This is obviously not the end of the trip, it is just a step to show them that some people contain some things.”

Edey ended his rookie season with an average of 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He shot 58% out of the ground and showed a certain range with his three-point shot, which supplied 18 von-52 tests from depths.

Edey was a consistent starter in Memphis and came up strongly at the end of the season when the Grizzlies made a change of coaching. In the 15 games after firing from Taylor Jenkins and the push of Tuomas Iisalo into the top chair, the 7-foot 4 center scored an average of 9.1 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per competition. He also achieved five double double in this route.

Edey goes into the low season and understands that he still has a lot to work. He is preparing to “put down his head” and to work again for an even better season 2025-26.

“I have to work on many things this low season: my side speed, my explosiveness, my sportiness, to guard the scope,” said Edey. “There is a lot to work.”

But when this NBA all-rookie teaching comes, EDEY will enjoy it. Mostly because so many people said he had no place in the league.

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