2024 Rookie Class Analysis and Dynasty Tiers
9) Zach Edey (Grizzlies) – Edey is the draft’s most polarizing player. He was an all-time college performer who was seen as an iffy NBA prospect throughout his time at Purdue because there have not been many players Edey’s size who have succeeded at the NBA level, especially since the league moved to a more perimeter-oriented style. While he will struggle to keep up with quick guards on the perimeter, some of the defensive concerns should prove to be overblown. Edey tested fairly well at the NBA combine. He posted speed and agility times that were better than many of the league’s starting fives. He also outperformed Donovan Clingan across the board at the combine. If he can be even passable on defense, Edey should be a solid pro because he is a lock to be a very good offensive player. His size is going to be a huge issue for defenders and he enters the league with a game that is much more polished than those of most NBA veterans. The Canadian’s per-scoring rate should be very strong right out of the gate and he’s likely to be a plus-contributor in all of the big man categories as a rookie. While he’s not going to play 30 MPG, he should start out in the low 20s which is enough to keep him viable in 12-team leagues as we wait for him to get more comfortable and for his minutes to increase. Edey’s line will come with two potentially very troublesome issues. The first is his steal rate. As a senior, he averaged just 0.3 SPG. He could end up as the largest drag on the category in the association among 12-team options. The second issue is his FTAr. Edey is going to get to the line a lot. In his final season with Purdue, he averaged a whopping 11.2 FTA. Even as a rookie, he could average close to 4.0 FTA. A player who shoots in the low 70s while getting to the line that often will come with a sizable FT% hit. He should be drafted in re-draft leagues before the final round. However, he needs to be slotted into a friendly build to have a shot at the top 100. In rookie drafts, he’s a top-eight option.
2024 Rookie Class Analysis and Dynasty Tiers
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