Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey is expected to miss at least four weeks due to a stress reaction in his left ankle, the team announced. The 7-foot-4 rookie has been averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds in 11 games this season after debuting on November 15. A full recovery is anticipated following rest and rehabilitation.
The Memphis Grizzlies announced on Thursday that Zach Edey has been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left ankle, the same one he underwent surgery on last June. This injury will sideline the 23-year-old center for at least a month, with reevaluation planned in about four weeks. Edey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, described the approach as a management plan to optimize his long-term health, noting an excellent short- and long-term prognosis.
Edey, the two-time national player of the year at Purdue, missed the first 13 games of the season recovering from the surgery before making his debut on November 15. In his 11 appearances this season, he has averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Last season, as a rookie, Edey averaged 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 66 games, earning All-Rookie first team honors despite missing 12 early games due to a sprained left ankle.
Edey's impact on the court is significant: the Grizzlies have outscored opponents by 17.7 points per 100 possessions with him playing, compared to being outscored by 8.2 without him—a swing of 25.9 points per 100. With Edey out, Jock Landale is expected to take over starting center duties, where he has averaged 10.9 points and 5.4 rebounds in his first season with Memphis. Jaren Jackson Jr., who leads the team with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block per game, may also see more time at center, alongside forward Santi Aldama, who is averaging career highs of 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1 steal.
The Grizzlies face additional frontcourt challenges, as Brandon Clarke remains sidelined with a knee injury from the offseason and is not expected back until six to nine weeks from November. Wing John Konchar will undergo surgery for a UCL tear in his left thumb, keeping him out for at least a month. Despite these injuries, Memphis ranks third in the NBA in rebounding at 46.5 per game, behind only the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets, and 11th in points allowed while sitting 22nd in blocks. The team holds an 11-13 record, placing ninth in the Western Conference, and anticipates Ja Morant's return soon from a calf strain after a recent 7-2 stretch in nine games.