As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, Zach Edey stands out as the early favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award. With his dominant college career and promising potential, Edey is poised to make an impact in the NBA
However, he will face stiff competition from a talented group of rookies, including Reed Sheppard, Alexandre Sarr, and Stephon Castle.
While Edey’s size and skill set make him a strong candidate, the ROTY race is far from decided. The evolution of the award and the influx of international talent have added intrigue to the competition.
As the season unfolds, basketball fans will eagerly watch to see which rookie emerges as the top newcomer in the NBA.
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Zach Edey: The Early Favorite for 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year
As the NBA gears up for the 2024-25 season, attention is already on the highly anticipated Rookie of the Year (ROTY) race.1
Zach Edey, the towering former Purdue University center, has emerged as the early favorite to win the prestigious award.
With his impressive college accolades and promising potential, Edey is set to make an impact in the professional league.
Drafted as the ninth overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, Edey holds strong betting odds of +500 to claim the title, according to Bovada, a popular gaming entertainment platform.
Zach Edey’s Dominance in College Basketball
Zach Edey’s rise to prominence began during his time at Purdue University, where he established himself as one of the most dominant players in college basketball.
Edey earned back-to-back National Player of the Year honors, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. Standing at an imposing 7 feet 4 inches, Edey’s presence in the paint was unmatched, making him a force to be reckoned with.
During his junior year at Purdue, Edey averaged 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, solidifying his reputation as one of the best college players in the country.
His dominance in the Big Ten Conference earned him the prestigious Wooden Award, given to the nation’s top player. With his size, skill set, and ability to protect the rim, Edey drew comparisons to NBA legends like Shaquille O’Neal, fueling anticipation for his transition to the NBA.
Tuesdays are for $10 buckets. #ad @kfc pic.twitter.com/h472FNnyMO
— zach (@zach_edey) August 13, 2024
Memphis Grizzlies’ Bold Move: Drafting Edey Ninth Overall
The Memphis Grizzlies made a bold decision by selecting Zach Edey with the ninth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. While some analysts questioned whether Edey’s college dominance would translate to the NBA, Memphis saw his potential as a game-changer.
The Grizzlies, a team known for their gritty and defensive-minded play, viewed Edey as a perfect fit for their system.
Edey’s ability to anchor the defense and control the boards made him an attractive prospect for a Memphis squad looking to bolster its frontcourt.
His height gives him a significant advantage in altering shots and grabbing rebounds, both critical aspects of the Grizzlies’ defensive strategy. Memphis fans are excited about Edey’s arrival, hoping that he can develop into a star alongside franchise cornerstone Ja Morant.
Rookie of the Year Race: Top Contenders
While Zach Edey is the early favorite to win the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year award, the race is shaping up to be highly competitive.2
Several other top rookies are poised to make a splash in their debut seasons.
Let’s take a closer look at the leading contenders challenging Edey for the coveted honor:
Reed Sheppard (+600): Kentucky’s Sharpshooter
Reed Sheppard, a standout from the University of Kentucky, is hot on Edey’s heels in the ROTY race. Bovada lists Sheppard with +600 odds to win the award, positioning him as the second-favorite.
Known for his scoring ability and three-point shooting, Sheppard brings a unique skill set that could help him shine early in his NBA career.
Sheppard’s ability to stretch the floor and shoot from beyond the arc is a valuable asset in today’s NBA, where spacing and perimeter shooting are crucial.
As a versatile guard, Sheppard can create his own shot, making him a potential offensive spark for the team that drafts him.
His transition to the professional game will be closely watched, but Sheppard’s shooting touch makes him a legitimate threat to win ROTY honors.
Alexandre Sarr (+900): The French Sensation
Alexandre Sarr, a French prospect known for his athleticism and defensive prowess, enters the NBA with high expectations.
With +900 odds to win Rookie of the Year, Sarr is projected to be a significant contributor on both ends of the floor. Standing at 7 feet, Sarr combines size, agility, and shot-blocking ability, drawing comparisons to current NBA star Rudy Gobert.
Sarr’s international experience and ability to defend multiple positions make him an intriguing prospect. He has the potential to develop into a defensive anchor for his team, much like Gobert has been for the Utah Jazz.
If Sarr can refine his offensive game, particularly in scoring and passing, he could become a dark horse candidate for the Rookie of the Year award.
Stephon Castle (+900): UConn’s Rising Star
Stephon Castle, hailing from the University of Connecticut, is another rookie with strong odds (+900) to claim ROTY honors.
Castle was one of the top guards in college basketball and impressed scouts with his scoring and playmaking abilities.
As a guard with great size (6 feet 6 inches), Castle can excel in multiple roles, whether as a primary ball-handler or an off-ball scorer.
Castle’s combination of size, speed, and shooting makes him a valuable asset for any NBA team. His ability to create offense for himself and his teammates will likely earn him significant playing time, and he has the potential to become a leading scorer among this year’s rookie class.
If Castle can adjust quickly to the pace and physicality of the NBA, he could challenge Edey and others for the ROTY award.
Matas Buzelis (+1000): The Next International Phenom?
Matas Buzelis, a Lithuanian prospect with a unique skill set, rounds out the top five favorites for Rookie of the Year. With +1000 odds, Buzelis enters the league as a versatile forward who can score, rebound, and pass. His international experience and polished game have made him one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class.
Buzelis has drawn comparisons to players like Luka Dončić due to his ability to handle the ball and make plays despite his size (6 feet 10 inches).
While he may need time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NBA, Buzelis has the potential to become a star in the league. His well-rounded game and high basketball IQ make him a legitimate contender for ROTY, especially if he can find a team that utilizes his strengths effectively.
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Zaccharie Risacher: No. 1 Pick but Lower ROTY Odds?
Perhaps the most surprising development in the early ROTY race is the relatively low odds for Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Despite being the top selection, Risacher is listed with +1200 odds to win Rookie of the Year, placing him seventh among rookies.
Risacher, a French forward known for his scoring and defensive versatility, was widely regarded as the best prospect in the draft.
His ability to guard multiple positions, along with his smooth offensive game, made him a no-brainer for the top pick. However, his lower odds suggest that there may be concerns about how quickly he will adapt to the NBA level.
One possible reason for Risacher’s lower ROTY odds could be the depth of talent in his draft class. With so many rookies poised to make an immediate impact, Risacher may face stiff competition for playing time and statistical production.
Nevertheless, as the No. 1 pick, Risacher has a strong chance to prove doubters wrong and emerge as a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Rookie of the Year Award: The Evolution
The NBA’s Rookie of the Year award has long been one of the most prestigious honors for young players entering the league.3
Over the years, the award has been claimed by some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tim Duncan.
Winning Rookie of the Year can serve as a launching pad for a stellar NBA career, as it highlights a player’s ability to make an immediate impact on the game.
In recent years, the ROTY race has become increasingly competitive, with international players making a significant impact.
The 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama, became the latest in a growing list of international stars to claim the honor. Wembanyama’s dominance on both ends of the floor set a high standard for this year’s rookies, and players like Edey, Sarr, and Buzelis will look to follow in his footsteps.
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The Road Ahead: What Will It Take for Edey to Succeed?
For Zach Edey to win Rookie of the Year or even carve out a prominent role in the Grizzlies’ rotation, there are several factors that will be critical to his success.
First and foremost, staying healthy will be essential. Edey’s size makes him more susceptible to injuries, particularly in his lower body, and durability will be a major concern as he navigates the physical demands of the NBA.
Additionally, Edey will need to continue refining his offensive game. While his defense and rebounding will always be strengths, becoming a more versatile scorer will be key to maximizing his potential.
Working with the Grizzlies’ coaching staff to develop his footwork, shooting touch, and basketball IQ will be essential to his long-term development.
Finally, Edey’s success will depend on how well he adapts to the speed and complexity of the NBA game. As a rookie, he will face a steep learning curve, but if he can adjust quickly and make an immediate impact, the sky’s the limit for the towering center.
Zach Edey: Summer League Performance
Flashes of Brilliance
- Zach Edey made his NBA Summer League debut with high expectations, and though his stint was short-lived due to an ankle injury, he managed to leave a lasting impression in the few games he played.
- His most notable performance came on July 9 against the Utah Jazz, where Edey posted a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
- What stood out most in that game was his ability to make timely plays, including a crucial tip-in that sent the game into overtime, outmuscling Utah’s young center, Walker Kessler, in the process.
- Edey’s size was clearly an advantage, as he dominated the boards and altered shots in the paint. His rebounding instincts, combined with his shot-blocking ability, give him the potential to be a defensive anchor for the Grizzlies.
- Even though his offensive game is still developing, the flashes of brilliance he showed in the Summer League gave Memphis fans a glimpse of what he could bring to the team in the regular season.
Overcoming Injury: Early Setback, but Long-Term Promise
- Unfortunately, Edey’s promising start in the Summer League was cut short by an ankle injury, which led the Grizzlies to shut him down for the remainder of the competition.
- While it was a setback for the young center, it’s not uncommon for teams to be cautious with their rookies, especially when they show as much promise as Edey.
- The Grizzlies’ decision to prioritize his health suggests that they are playing the long game with their No. 9 pick, focusing on his development and long-term potential rather than rushing him back prematurely.
- Edey’s injury doesn’t seem to be a major concern for the upcoming season, and with proper rehabilitation, he should be ready to make an impact when the regular season starts.
- The key for Edey will be staying healthy, as his durability will play a critical role in his ability to contribute consistently throughout the grueling 82-game NBA schedule.
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