Will Zach Edey get drafted in 2024?
Will Zach Edey get drafted in 2024?
By Edcel Panganiban February 29, 2024 05:42
Quite a gatherin of talent has taken the attention to 2024 NBA Draft prospects and for good reason, Zach Edey is yet another star in waiting from Purdue University. From within this in-depth look, we will examine different parts and sides of Zach Edey's skill package (both on the floor: scoring; rebounding; rim protection as well off-court intangibles) to ascertain the likelihood he gets drafted come 2024.
Zach Edey's Profile
Sophomore — Purdue ▲23 7-4, 285 lbs. More than anything, his physical tools -- highlighted by an enormous wingspan of 7-foot-4-inches--have made him a two-way terror.
Strengths
Interior Presence: Edey's size and length provide an unmatchable advantage when it comes to scoring the ball in the paint. He is excellent at shot-blocking and his long arms can offset errant shots.
Rebounding: A live glass eater, He keeps balls alive on both ends of the floor is a constant threat for offensive boards and follow-ups.
Post Scoring: Edey has grown a beard and learned how to score lol, he's definitely making some nice post work with hooks & drop step. He makes good use of his soft hands and footwork to put the ball in around the hoop.
Screen Setter: He is huge, and when he sets a screen it takes up the entire half court freeing guards for open looks or driving lanes.
Weaknesses
Lateral quickness: He's not going to be able to switch and show on more versatile bigs with ease, could struggle in pick-and-roll situations.
Perimeter Defense: Edey is a liability outside the paint on defense, which makes it tough for him to cover smaller players that can push pace and run bigs off screens in P/R action at the next level.
Statistical Performance
Your impressions of Zach Edey are probably that he had a phenomenal 2023-24 season. He led the Big Ten in multiple categories, including field goal percentage (73.9), true shooting percentage and offensive rating en route to averages of 23.1 points,11..7 rebounds per game while adding 2.3 blocks per game as a redshirt junior for the nation's top-ranked team according to Kenpom.
Analyzing Edey's Game
Offensive Arsenal
Offensive game of Zach Edey, a center with theoretical 3-and-D wiggle in the post He is a finisher and at times can be an incredible facilitator around the rim. He also flashes impressive vision, making him a centerpiece of the offense.
Defensive Capabilities
Edey is a fortress, on the defensive end He is a great rim protector because of his ability to block shots, combined with his understanding for angles and knowing when the shot is coming. It drives people away from him at such an elite level that it affects their game plan. He should be able to line up at power forward or center and protect the rim legitimately based on his defensive resume.
Off-Court Intangibles
Edey is just as impressive off the court. His work ethic, along with his locker room presence and basketball IQ turn him into not only an exciting prospect on the court but he becomes someone who can bring a community out of their seats.
Draft Prospects
Standing Out From Other Centers
His quick footwork moving around the court along with his great size really separate him from a lot of other centers in this draft. His growing bag of offensive skill and high IQ basketball elevate him over the traditional one-dimensional big man.
Adaptation to the NBA
Edey poses an interesting question as a throwback center with skills poised to evolve. The dual positional impact is truly intriguing so if able to space-court him fairly quickly and he becomes serviceable then his offensive potential overall in terms of being utilized as a defender would fix together snugly with the current NBA meta.
Between-the-White-Lines vs. Off-Court Demeanor Impact on His Draft Stock
Edey's maturity, leadership and desire to improve are qualities that can strike a chord with team evaluations — helping give him the right foundation as not only an on-court contributor but also culturally aspect that could turn around some franchise for good.
Zach Edey Is Much More Than Just A Draft Night Roll Call Applause Line He is a package of skills and mental strength that can seemingly fill every hole on the Twins roster, plus alluring upside. The due diligence organizations did in evaluating Edey as they get ready for the 2024 NBA Draft could wind up being a serious fork-in-the-road type of choice that ended up dramatically impacting an entire franchise's future.
Final Verdict
Zach Edey's combination of size, stats and well polished facets to his game suggest he could be a fascinating 2024 NBA Draft prospect. With a mix of size, skills and intangibles that make him as much an answer at this point in his young career to be exactly the kind of locker-room presence long-term franchise cornerstones are built around.
With a sensational tenure at the NCAA level and alluring potential to go with it, Zach Edey is likely just two years away from getting selected in 2024 NBA Draft as an enticing option for sqauds looking to fortify their frontcourt while molding themselves into contenders well down the line.