"Pacers sacrificing former Purdue players" - NBA fans stunned as Grizzlies' Zach Edey to undergo surgery for sprained ankle

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey reportedly suffered an injury setback. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the former Purdue star re-sprained his left ankle during an offseason workout and will require surgery to stabilize it.

"Memphis Grizzlies All-Rookie center Zach Edey re-sprained his left ankle in an offseason workout this week and will undergo surgery to re-stabilize the ankle. Edey will likely miss the beginning of the 2025-26 NBA season," Charania tweeted on Saturday.

The injury report has stirred up a frenzy on social media.

"Pacers sacrificing former Purdue players #noticing," a fan wrote.

🚀🚀

@ep12_05

Pacers sacrificing former Purdue players #noticing

Others sympathized with the Grizzlies.

"memphis can't have anything nice bro," one fan said.

"The grizzlies legit have the WORST luck," another fan wrote.

"Grizzlies need a new medical team bro; why everyone always hurt," one fan commented.

SleeperHoops

@Sleeper_Hoops

memphis can’t have anything nice bro

Aidan LaPorta

@AidanLaPorta69

The grizzlies legit have the WORST luck

Cho

@WZRDB

Grizzlies need a new medical team bro; why everyone always hurt

Some wondered about the nature of the injury.

"Never heard of surgery for a sprained ankle," a fan tweeted.

ace ⛈️

@30BeenDat

Never heard of surgery for a sprained ankle

However, Dr. Evan Jeffries provided clarity.

"Interesting. Since he is having surgery this typically means he had a grade III sprain (full tear of the ligaments). This likely comes with a 4-6 month return to play timeline," Jeffries wrote.

Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT

@GameInjuryDoc

Interesting. Since he is having surgery this typically means he had a grade III sprain (full tear of the ligaments)

This likely comes with a 4-6 month return to play timeline

This is the second setback for Edey. He also got injured in November against the Denver Nuggets, forcing him to miss 12 games.

---

Zach Edey's representative opens up on the "best approach" to his injury setback

Zach Edey's representative, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, shared with ESPN's Shams Charania on Saturday why they opted for surgery.

"After consulting with the Grizzlies and multiple specialists, we decided this is the best approach for Zach long-term as it gets him back to 100% with no limitations," Bartelstein said. "He will make a full recovery and be back better than ever."

The ninth pick in 2024 ended his rookie season with 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. Additionally, he shot 58.0% from the field, 34.6% from the 3-point line and 70.9% from the free-throw line.

Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) passes the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) defends - Source: Imagn

Edey was named to the All-Rookie team alongside teammate Jaylen Wells. He finished fifth in the Rookie of the Year voting, which San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle won.