Where is Zach Edey projected to be drafted?

By Justin Rubin April 03, 2024 10:50

Photo by Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Edey, the Purdue Boilermakers' standout big man, has captured the attention of basketball enthusiasts with his dominant performances in college basketball.

As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, there is significant speculation regarding where Edey might be selected.

In this comprehensive Fan Arch piece, we'll get in the nitty gritty and go into the analysis and insights surrounding Zach Edey's projected NBA Draft position, shedding light on the factors influencing his draft stock and potential impact at the professional level.

The Dominance of Zach Edey

Zach Edey's towering presence at 7'4" and 300 pounds, coupled with a 7'10" wingspan, has made him an unstoppable force near the basket during his college career at Purdue.

His remarkable productivity is evident through his staggering averages of 25 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, along with a remarkable 62.4 percent shooting from the field.

Draft Profile

Physical Attributes

Height: 7'4"
Weight: 300 pounds
Wingspan: 7'10"
Age: 22
School: Purdue

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Edey's dominance on the glass, averaging over 12 rebounds per game, showcases his exceptional ability to secure possessions for his team.
His imposing frame and catch radius, along with solid hands, enable him to excel in the pick-and-roll, making him a valuable target for easy dump-off feeds and pick-and-roll situations.
With a 70 percent free throw shooting percentage, Edey possesses the potential to close games without the threat of being fouled.

Weaknesses

Edey's defensive limitations, attributed to his lack of mobility, raise concerns about his ability to guard shifty guards and thrive in a pick-and-roll-heavy NBA environment.
His reluctance to shoot the ball and limited ability to space the floor may hinder his impact on the offensive end, potentially affecting team spacing.
The likelihood of Edey being reduced to a specialized role in the NBA complicates the assessment of his draft value.

Projected Draft Positions

Expert Assessments

Draft Digest: 35
Ringer Guide: 18
ESPN Mock: 13
The Athletic: 30
Bleacher Report: 42
CBS: 33
Draft Net: 36
Tankathon: 37

The projected draft positions for Zach Edey vary across different sources, with assessments ranging from lottery picks to the second round.

NBA Draft Prospect Rankings

ESPN: 14
SB Nation: 18
The Athletic: 21

These rankings further exemplify the diverse range of perspectives on Edey's potential draft position, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding his selection.

Analysis of Edey's Game

Offensive Prowess

Edey's proficiency in the post and as a screen-setter has been a focal point of his college success. His ability to overpower defenders near the rim, coupled with improved passing in the face of double teams, highlights his offensive impact.

Defensive Considerations

While Edey's shot-blocking prowess and rim protection are commendable, concerns persist regarding his lateral quickness and ability to guard pick-and-roll situations effectively.

Diverging Opinions

The evaluation of Zach Edey's draft prospects has sparked contrasting viewpoints within the basketball community. The polarizing nature of his draft projection stems from differing perspectives on the translatability of his post-oriented game to the NBA and his defensive limitations.

Comparisons and Precedents

Historical Precedents

The challenges associated with projecting the success of college big men with similar profiles to Edey in the NBA context, particularly in terms of offensive style and defensive limitations, have added complexity to his draft assessment.

Impact of Playing Style

Edey's reliance on post-ups raises questions about his fit in a pick-and-roll-oriented NBA landscape, drawing comparisons to past college standouts who faced challenges in transitioning to the professional level.

Future Outlook

Impact Potential

Despite the uncertainties surrounding Edey's draft position, his exceptional size and productivity in college basketball indicate the potential for him to make an immediate impact in the NBA, particularly in scoring and rebounding.

Developmental Trajectory

Edey's ability to adapt to the demands of the NBA game, including improving defensive capabilities and expanding offensive versatility, will be pivotal in shaping his trajectory as a professional player.

The assessment of Zach Edey's projected NBA Draft position reflects the intricacies and uncertainties inherent in evaluating college prospects. With the draft approaching, the basketball world eagerly awaits the unveiling of Edey's NBA destination, keen to witness the next chapter in his basketball journey.

All in all, Zach Edey's projected NBA Draft position remains a subject of intense debate and speculation, underscoring the multifaceted nature of evaluating collegiate talent in the context of professional basketball.

As the 2024 NBA Draft draws near, the basketball community eagerly anticipates the unfolding of Edey's professional journey, poised to witness the realization of his potential on the grand stage of the NBA.