Weaknesses
While Edey made strides, his ability to move and compete with NBA athletes is a huge concern. Throughout most of his college career he was able to make up for any shortcomings athletically by using his size. That’s not always going to be the case at the next level.
It’s fair to wonder physically how Edey will hold up as a pro. In the national title game, he got off to an unreal start, making it seem like Purdue had a shot against Donovan Clingan and the Huskies. As the game went on, Edey’s adrenaline rush seemed to wear off. This isn’t a knock on Edey’s fitness — he’s just a gigantic human. Will he have the stamina to compete every night of an 82-game season?
While there was an improvement in skill, there’s a question of whether Edey will ever be able to stretch the floor. He was 1-of-2 in college from deep, but reportedly shot it well at the combine. If he can add that to his offensive mix, it would help, but that’s still a huge question mark.
Positional Fit
Of all the players we’ll break down in this space, there won’t be an easier answer. Edey is a pure center. In the 1990s or early 2000s, we’d likely be talking about him as a potential No. 1 pick. With the way the game has evolved, he’s a big gamble.
Draft Projection
SB Nation mock draft: No. 26, Washington Wizards
There are Sixers connections here. Nick Nurse was the head coach of Team Canada and had glowing reviews for Edey, who was only 18 while scrimmaging with the national team. Daryl Morey is familiar with giant big men, having overlapped with Yao Ming for over five years in Houston.
But does Edey make sense for the Sixers? It’s interesting. The Sixers got crushed on the offensive glass and the Knicks were able to exploit Paul Reed at the rim in the playoffs. Neither of those things would happen with Edey. Plus, he’d theoretically be another scoring option. His lack of switchability is a pretty big red flag though. In a rematch, Jalen Brunson would likely put Edey in every action he could. If the Sixers took Edey, a more mobile center — like Reed — would have to be in the fold.
Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is Purdue’s Zach Edey.
Zach Edey was one of the most physically dominant and decorated college athletes we’ve ever seen. The gargantuan Canadian was twice named a Wooden Award winner and guided the Boilermakers to the 2024 NCAA Tournament finals where they lost to juggernaut UConn.
Profile
2023-24 Stats: 39 games, 32.0 minutes, 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.3 steals, 2.2 blocks, 62.3% FG, 50.0% 3P (two attempts), 71.1% FT
Team: Purdue
Year: Senior
Position: C
Height (without shoes) & Weight: 7’3.75” | 299.0 lbs
Born: May 14, 2002 (22 years old)
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
High School: IMG Academy
Strengths
Size, size, size. Edey stands over 7-foot-4 with shoes on and boasts an almost mythical 7-10 wingspan. He was so physically dominant on both ends of the floor, effortlessly getting post position for easy buckets and turning away shot after shot at the rim on the other end.
To his credit, Edey did improve his skill level and agility during his four years at Purdue. He got to the line 11.2 times per game and sank 71.1% (everyone in Philly knows the value of a big man that can draw and make his free throws). He looked more nimble this past season, clearly working hard after the Boilermakers were bounced from the tourney in embarrassing fashion in 2023.
Sixers 2024 Draft Prospect Perdue Center Zack Edey
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