NBA analyst Nick Wright believes the Miami Heat should consider drafting Zach Edey due to his low post skills. Edey, a 7-foot-4 center from Purdue University, was named the Associated Press Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.
Nick Wright thinks the Miami Heat should draft Zach Edey
“Bam can kinda extend the floor, I know he’s not the greatest shooter and Edey can play down low. I think there’s a place for him”
(Via @WhatsWrightShow / h/t @WheelerJaylen ) pic.twitter.com/GZlPUoNMRX
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 9, 2024
Despite Purdue’s loss in the 2024 championship game, Edey’s standout performances in the NCAA Tournament caught the attention of many. He scored 20 points with 12 rebounds in the semifinals and put up an impressive 37 points and 10 rebounds in the final.
Enjoy your screenshot and…
Get 10 stickers for $1: https://t.co/IGW12ygmK5 pic.twitter.com/Eh6LGnjeM9
— Pikaso (@pikaso_me) April 9, 2024
While Edey’s style may not fit today’s NBA, his college success makes him an intriguing prospect. The Miami Heat, known for maximizing player talents, could find a place for Edey. However, mock drafts project him as the No. 13 overall pick to the Portland Trail Blazers, making it unlikely for the Heat to draft him that high.
Currently, the Heat are focused on improving their playoff positioning and avoiding the play-in round. In summary, Nick Wright’s endorsement suggests that the Heat should consider adding Edey to their roster, given his exceptional college achievements.
Zach Edey has emerged as a unique player in college basketball. The 7-4, 300-pound center is the first player to lead Division I in scoring and reach the Final Four since Oscar Robertson in 1960. He had a remarkable performance in the NCAA Tournament, scoring 40 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in a win over Tennessee in the Elite Eight.
Zach Edey on three elite big men in this Final Four: “It just shows that it’s back. People always talk about how big men can’t do it in March, well there’s three teams here who have really good big men.” pic.twitter.com/TBjFB5DWoI
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 4, 2024
Edey’s journey at Purdue almost took a different turn. When he arrived as a freshman, there were thoughts of redshirting him. However, when another player transferred, Edey was given the opportunity to shine. Coach Matt Painter believed in Edey’s potential and never expected him to become this dominant.
His performance has greatly improved his NBA draft stock. Initially projected as a second-round pick in the 2023 draft, Edey has now played his way into potential lottery pick status in the 2024 draft. The Miami Heat are one team that could be interested in him, with the possibility of pairing him with Bam Adebayo.
DJ Burns on Zach Edey:
“He hasn’t had anybody who puts scoring pressure on him as much as I will. Well maybe he did, but not on a stage like this.” pic.twitter.com/dj4QeA4rUO
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) April 4, 2024
Edey has had an outstanding season, averaging 24.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 2.1 assists per game. His production has only increased during March Madness, where he has averaged 28 points, 15.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game.
Zach Edey helps Purdue to the NCAA tournament title game with a win over NC State. 20 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks for the projected lottery pick showing his skill-level in the post and conditioning playing all 40 minutes. pic.twitter.com/6s2i475hZn
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 7, 2024
However, critics point to his lack of long-range shooting and a more traditional offensive game as areas of concern. NBA teams prefer big men who can shoot and handle the ball. Despite this, Edey has made a strong case for himself and has caught the attention of NBA scouts.
ESPN projects Edey to potentially land with the Portland Trail Blazers, while The Ringer sees a fit with the Miami Heat. Either way, his dominance in college basketball has put him in the spotlight and has NBA teams considering him as a valuable asset.
Zach Edey has been named the best player in college basketball for the second year in a row, making him one of the few players in history to achieve this accolade. He averaged impressive stats, including points, rebounds, assists, and blocks per game.
DRAFT SCOUT: Zach Edey
Pros: Immense size, interior dominance, rebounding, shot blocking
Cons: Foot speed, defensive mobility, handle
Fav comp: Bigger Jonas Valanciunas
More below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/YiMxWZb3lP
— Boris Dirk Podcast (@BorisDirkPod) March 31, 2024
Edey’s performance has also improved dramatically, leading to speculation about his potential in the NBA draft. At 7’4″ and 300 pounds, Edey possesses a dominant right hand and has become more comfortable using his left hand to score.
His improved passing skills and vision make him a valuable asset on the court, as he can find open teammates and keep defenses guessing. However, Edey still faces challenges, particularly in defending pick-and-roll situations and using his left hand effectively.
— Islam Uddin (@Coach_iu) April 7, 2024
His size is both a strength and weakness, as it allows him to dominate near the basket but limits his ability to stretch the floor.
In terms of draft projections, Edey is expected to be selected in the late first or early second round, rather than as a lottery pick.
Some compare his playing style to that of Yao Ming, due to his imposing physical presence.
Fans reacted as follows.
If u know basketball you know the heat hate playing anyone over 7 feet tall
— Adam☘️ (@CelticsAdam34) April 9, 2024
Bam has attempted 97 3s in his career
— rennaT (Tank Gunner) (@rennaTcMrennaT) April 9, 2024
Zach Edey will be an expectational player in this league if he’s put in the right situation and is allowed to develop pic.twitter.com/K9LPfwbMuF
— E-Man (@WigginsWick22) April 9, 2024
Wright's take on Heat drafting Edey: Ignoring perimeter needs for another paint presence? Bold move.
— Zoey dragons (@zoeydraagon) April 9, 2024
It's crazy how NCAA NPOY's don't necessarily translate to the NBA. The Pacers literally have three of them, two are role players and one is relegated mostly to the G League.
— Peetie Peete (@Peetie_Peete) April 7, 2024
He got so much he gotta improve! For starters his feel when the double team comes! Gotta get a middy!……but you can’t teach 7ft he not a skilled big but he’s basically Zubak
— Tyler McVeano (@McV00072) April 7, 2024
