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Zach Edey · As he battled the Utah Jazz, foul trouble, and every obstacle threatening to make the success of his NBA regular-season debut short-lived, Zach Edey, predictably, handled the task through one word: size. A once-unguardable presence during his Boilermaker reign, the 2024 No. 9 tests said traits on the professional scene, initially through a high screen-and-roll alongside his electrifying, All-Star floor general. Finding the benefits of his paint-clearing boxout working neatly in his favor, Edey positions himself to reel in his teammate’s miss, redirecting the soft bounce back towards the rim and through for an and-one finish. Efficiency was the name of the game in Edey’s opening chapter, as the 7-foot-4, 305-pound talent accumulated five points (on two-of-four shooting) — plus numerous others through screen assists — accompanied by five rebounds during a 15-minute cameo. Seeing the value of every NBA bucket, no matter how seemingly-miniscule, Edey’s efforts ultimately helped the Memphis Grizzlies survive for a two-point, season-opening triumph on October 23, 2024. · State of Mint