NBA Draft analyst shares positive outlook on Zach Edey's pro potential
Two-time college basketball Player of the Year Zach Edey officially declared for the NBA Draft on Tuesday, and the intriguing pro prospect already has one fan.
ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony noted "significant strides" Edey made to his game in 2023-24, including "his conditioning, mobility, passing and defensive versatility." He added that the former Purdue center teased "there's more to his game he's yet to show."
The next couple of months will be huge for Edey, who could see his NBA Draft stock soar by impressing teams and scouts.
He was dominant at Purdue, including during the team's run to the 2024 national championship game. Edey finished the 2023-24 season averaging 25.2 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. In the title game loss to UConn, Edey had 37 points and 10 rebounds.
Despite his massive numbers, skepticism remains about his pro potential. There isn't much of a spot in today's game for a big who lacks the ability to stretch the floor offensively or switch defensively. Edey lived in the paint with the Boilermakers and also wasn't asked to defend much on the perimeter.
At the next level, it's easy to imagine a scenario where quicker, smaller players exploit him in the pick-and-roll. Without much of a perimeter shot, he could also affect spacing on the other end of the court.
If he shows NBA teams more versatility than he had to in college, Edey will cross off the main concerns about how his game will translate to the association.
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