Purdue’s Zach Edey was a force to be reckoned with in NCAA basketball. The towering center dominated the paint throughout his college career, culminating in back-to-back National Player of the Year awards. However, questions lingered about his ability to translate his game to the NBA, with some analysts labeling him a traditional back-to-the-basket center – a dying breed in the modern, pace-and-space NBA.
Enter the 2024 NBA Draft Combine. Edey appears to be silencing doubters with a surprising display of offensive versatility. According to renowned draft analyst Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress, Edey’s jump shot is looking sharp: ” Zach Edey’s pullup game is on point at the NBA draft combine.”
Zach Edey's pullup game is on point at the NBA draft combine pic.twitter.com/dRdk6hzrAq
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 13, 2024
This development could be a game-changer for Edey’s draft stock. Here’s why:
Edey’s calling card in college was his low-post dominance. He used his massive frame (7’4″, 300 lbs) and soft touch to overpower defenders and score at will. But the NBA thrives on spacing and versatility. Centers who can’t step outside and hit jumpers become liabilities on offense.
If Zach Edey’s improved jump shot is real, it adds a significant wrinkle to his offensive repertoire. The ability to consistently knock down mid-range jumpers would force defenses to respect him outside the paint. This would create driving lanes for himself and his teammates, making him a much more dynamic offensive threat.
Zach Edey’s Potential Fit in the Modern NBA
Edey’s newfound shooting prowess could make him a perfect fit for several NBA teams. Here are some intriguing possibilities:
Stretch Big Role: Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder or Orlando Magic, rebuilding franchises looking for young talent, could view Zach Edey as a potential cornerstone. His interior dominance paired with a developing outside shot could anchor their frontcourt for years to come.
Pick-and-Pop Partner: Edey’s ability to space the floor would make him a valuable pick-and-pop partner for a point guard like LaMelo Ball or Trae Young. Imagine the defensive headache of having to choose between guarding Zach Edey on the perimeter or allowing him to roll to the rim.
Matchup Nightmare: Even if his jump shot remains a work in progress, Zach Edey’s size and post skills alone make him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. He could be a valuable asset for a contender looking for a dominant interior presence, especially against smaller lineups.