Zach Edey, a first-round draft pick for the Grizzlies, smiles during a press conference to introduce the team’s 2024 NBA Draft picks at FedExForum on Friday, June 28, 2024. Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK

NBA Legend Reacts to Viral Zach Edey Picture

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Oct 2, 2024 1:51 PM ET

Very few rookies have as much hype and excitement around them right now as Memphis Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey. The NBA season hasn't quite started yet, but Edey gave fans something to be excited about during Grizzlies Media Day.

Zach Edey and Yuki Kawamura recreated an iconic Muggsy Bogues and Manute Bol media day photo this week. The photo blew up on the internet, gaining over 1 million views and 15,000 likes in just two days.

Zach Edey (7'4"), and Yuki Kawamura (5'8") recreated the photo pic.twitter.com/1nbJPeC8IQ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 1, 2024

Edey's photo went so viral, that garnered an additional response from Muggsy Bogues himself online.

"Great job from these young men, but the OG will never be topped ‍♂️ RIP to the legend Manute Bol"

Great job from these young men, but the OG will never be topped ‍♂️ RIP to the legend Manute Bol https://t.co/VDlD6UYvpF
— Tyrone Muggsy Bogues (@MuggsyBogues) October 1, 2024

Many had thought that Zach Edey had looked too serious throughout his press conferences with the Memphis Grizzlies. So, it's great to see Edey show some personality and fans respond to it with great encouragement.

On the court, Zach Edey has already started becoming an early favorite to win the NBA's Rookie of the Year. Despite being drafted 9th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Edey has quietly slid up everyone's projections. With a healthy Ja Morant and Memphis Grizzlies squad, Edey will have the potential to have a season similar to Chet Holmgren on the Oklahoma City Thunder last season. A season that would have been considered Rookie of the Year worthy if it wasn't for Victor Wembanyama.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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