This is the amazing impact of Zach Edey since his return to the NBA

Diego Jiménez Rubio | Fri, 11/28/2025 - 18:19

Zach Edey, key to his good performance. Photo: gettyimages

A player from another era who can see how he is becoming fashionable again. Zach Edey possesses evident skills to dominate under the hoop, with very good offensive hands and a growing agility on both ends of the court. His return with the Memphis Grizzlies after the injury layoff presents a completely new player.

His height, wingspan, the way he moves, and the efficiency in his offensive plays are astonishing, but he can be even more. Many doubted that Zach Edey could make it in the NBA due to the speed of the game, but we are increasingly seeing how taller, seemingly slower centers are taking the spotlight and not only adapting to the basketball rhythm but changing it. The league is moving towards shooting fewer threes and seeking dominance in the paint, with the Canadian from Memphis Grizzlies being a sure bet in those areas.

The Grizzlies are outscoring their opponents by 25.1 points per 100 possessions when Zach Edey is on the court:

Offensive Rating: 119.4 (4th)
Defensive Rating: 94.3 (1st)
Net Rating: +25.1 (1st)

Edey looks ready to take another leap in his second season.pic.twitter.com/Q6TXsS5BAo
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) November 27, 2025

This is evident in the five games he has played since his return (he played only a few minutes against the Nuggets), with averages of 12 points, 8.8 rebounds, and the best defensive rating in the NBA among those who have played at least 5 games and 20 minutes per game. He has improved in his lateral movements, his teammates are finding him in attack, and he becomes a lethal weapon against the vast majority of franchises. The rough patch of the Memphis Grizzlies may provide him with more opportunities to leverage the experience from his rookie year and make a significant leap. Crucial times ahead for Zach Edey.

🚨BREAKING:

Among NBA players this season who have played:

> 5 Games
> 20 Minutes Per Game

Zach Edey has the HIGHEST Defensive Rating in the NBA at 94.3 👀

But sure… he’s not going to work in the NBA😂 https://t.co/gRcZYMqOuV pic.twitter.com/ZqzEVPRfk6
— EdeyMuse (@EdeyMuse) November 27, 2025