Zach Edey health is the biggest variable in the Memphis Grizzlies’ rebuild after the 7-foot-4 center played in only 11 games last season because of left ankle problems. Edey enters training camp cleared for full-speed, full-court activity, and the team expects him to be ready for its Oct. 21 season opener against Utah.
Zach Edey health: what the ankle history shows
Edey missed 12 games with a left ankle injury as a rookie in 2024-25. He had surgery on the ankle in June 2025, then dealt with a stress reaction in December and had a second procedure in March to address bone stress, according to NBA.com’s training camp report.
When he did play last season, the former Purdue star averaged 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds. His last appearance came Dec. 7 against Portland.
“I feel more athletic than I did last year already,” Edey said. General manager Zach Kleiman said Edey is “exactly where we hoped he would be at this point in time.”
Caution remains. Edey is in a ramp-up phase, and coach Tuomas Iisalo had not cleared him for two-a-day practices as of the latest update. Limited preseason minutes are possible.
Why Memphis needs a healthy Edey
The Grizzlies finished 25-57 after trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah in February and Ja Morant to Portland. Our look at the Blazers’ Lillard-Morant starting lineup shows where Morant landed.
Memphis also added frontcourt depth in Isaiah Stewart, acquired from Detroit, and Quinten Post, signed from Golden State. Rookie Cam Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick out of Duke, joins the group.
Pippen and the backcourt
Guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is also healthy after a March toe procedure, Kleiman said, as is Jaylen Wells, who had surgery to stabilize a tendon fracture. Pippen is expected to compete with Ty Jerome for the top point guard job.
Forward Micah Peavy, a recent acquisition, will miss the start of camp with an ankle injury. Morant’s new team is also sorting out its guards, as our story on Damian Lillard and Portland’s crowded backcourt explains.
What’s next
The preseason will show whether Edey can handle extended minutes. Staying on the court is the first test of the Grizzlies’ rebuild, and the league will get its first real look at Memphis on Oct. 21 against Utah.
