Zach Edey enters Memphis Grizzlies training camp cleared for full-court activity following surgeries on his left ankle that limited him to 11 games last season. General manager Zach Kleiman confirmed his rehabilitation is on schedule ahead of the team’s October 21 season opener against Utah.
Zach Edey stands out in any crowd at 7-foot-4 and 300 pounds. Unfortunately for the franchise, the center spent much of the previous season in street clothes watching team huddles while sidelined by his left ankle. Having been selected ninth overall in 2024 after twice earning AP College Player of the Year honors at Purdue, the big man now needs to demonstrate his physical readiness following a prior campaign where ankle trouble restricted him to merely 11 appearances.
How much success the young squad has in its latest rebuilding effort depends heavily on Edey being available every night. During his debut season, the quiet-spoken big man drew 55 starting assignments across 66 total appearances, posting averages of 9.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest. He got more comfortable and started becoming a double-double threat as that season went on, finishing as an All-Rookie team pick and fifth in voting for Rookie of the Year.
Edey Undergoes Two Ankle Surgeries
The ankle has been an issue since Edey’s rookie season when he missed 12 games with a sprained left ankle. He had surgery in June 2025 to repair and restabilize the joint after spraining it again during offseason training. In that injury-shortened campaign, he averaged 13.6 points on 63% shooting while grabbing 11.1 rebounds alongside a couple of blocks a game.
When December arrived, a bone stress reaction in that same ankle forced Edey onto the injured list, and persistent discomfort ultimately necessitated another surgical procedure in March that ended his campaign prematurely. During media day at FedExForum, Heavy reported on the team’s positive medical updates regarding his return to full participation. Commercial Appeal’s Damichael Cole noted on X that Edey was cleared to be a full go, though the Grizzlies might exercise caution with his playing time during the preseason, while The Daily Memphian’s Drew Hill reported on X that he is performing full-speed, full-court activity.
“I feel more athletic than I did last year already. So now I’m ready to go after the season and make the most of this opportunity that we’ve got in front of us.”
Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies center
Edey also noted his increased focus on physical maintenance. I’m really locked into my body. I’ve never spent this much time just on everything,
he told reporters on Monday.
Memphis Trades Jackson and Morant for Youth
The franchise hopes to finally see what having Edey available for a full season means for a team that went 25-57 last season. Aiming to complete a major roster overhaul focused squarely on youth, Memphis traded forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah in February before subsequently dealing guard Ja Morant to Portland in June.
“He’s exactly where we hoped he would be at this point in time.”
Zach Kleiman, Memphis Grizzlies general manager
The center has been cleared for full-court activity, and the team expects that he will be ready when the season opens October 21 against Utah, ahead of a preseason slate that begins October 5 against the Atlanta Hawks.
Frontcourt Partnership With Cam Boozer
Edey will fill a major hole in the lineup and anchor a youth movement where his presence in the paint serves as an intimidating factor. He will be paired with rookie power forward Cam Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick out of Duke, alongside Cedric Coward. The duo worked out together before training camp started to build timing and chemistry.
“Being 7-4, he can really change the game offensively and defensively. He’s just a paint-patroller. I think it is going to be a lot of fun.”
Cam Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies rookie power forward
To hedge its bets on health, the front office added Isaiah Stewart as a physical enforcer from Detroit and signed free agent 7-footer Quinten Post from Golden State. Stewart expressed enthusiasm about the new frontcourt pairing.
“I’m happy I’m on the team with Zach because he’s a big body.”
Isaiah Stewart
Expectations for how Memphis fares rest heavily on Edey and his ankle. Even if key players stay healthy, the roster may be a year or two from making a playoff push in the Western Conference.
“We don’t have any specific goals. We just want to win. We want to show people that they’re just wrong about us.”
Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies center