Grizzlies pick up 2026-27 rookie scale option on center Zach Edey

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies announced Tuesday the team picked up the 2026-27 rookie scale option on center Zach Edey's contract.

The 7-foot-3, 299-pound Edey was the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft, and he led all rookies shooting 58%, and averaging 8.3 rebounds and 3.5 offensive boards a game. He ranked fourth with 1.3 blocks and ninth with 9.2 points a game.

Edey started 55 of the 66 games he played and became the first rookie to lead the Grizzlies in rebounds since Marc Gasol in 2008-09. He had a career-high 21 rebounds April 5 at Detroit for both a franchise record and the most by any rookie last season.

He finished fifth in the NBA's Rookie of the Year voting and placed on the league's All-Rookie team with teammate Jaylen Wells. Edey was the two-time AP Player of the Year winner his final two seasons at Purdue.

Edey currently is recovering from surgery on his left ankle that could keep him out of the first two months of the season. The Grizzlies open the season Wednesday night hosting New Orleans. ___

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