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While most people are talking about the top of the 2023 NBA Draft, Zach Edey's name is slowly rising. The Purdue big man is in the midst of a stellar campaign that might improve his stock before he officially enters his name.
Zach Edey is projected to be a second-round pick. However, if he continues to showcase his talent at a high level, he could be selected at the end of the first round.
Edey is a seven-foot-four center who shows the potential to be a contributor on both ends of the floor. Through 21 games this season, he is averaging 22.1 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks.
Given his ability to be a force on the glass and around the rim, Edey is drawing comparisons to Utah Jazz standout Walker Kessler. Both are around the same size and have an extremely similar set of skills.
In terms of being a draft prospect, age is one of the main negatives for Edey. Staying in college allowed him to grow his game, but it could hurt his draft stock. It's rare for the front office to use a first-round pick on a player who is already 20 years old.
Does Zach Edey have the potential to be a factor in the NBA?
While Zach Edey doesn't have star potential like Victor Wembanyama, he could still entice a team to take a chance on him. He has the attributes to come in and produce in some capacity for an NBA team.
The traditional big man has faded out of the league for some time but has made a strong resurgence. Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Anthony Davis are the three prime talents in the NBA. With transcendent bigs like them coming along, teams will need size around the rim to combat them.
With his seven-foot-seven wingspan, Zach Edey has the potential to be an impactful defender. Seeing that he is blocking two shots per game now, it's evident that he has the instincts to be an average rim protector.
While rebuilding teams might not want an older prospect, Edey could help an organization that is farther along in the process. He might not be a starter-level player, but he is someone who could fill a backup role.
His offensive game is limited since he doesn't space the floor but he can find ways to be effective. There are countless bigs who have embraced rim-running and screen-setting roles and had a long and successful careers in the league. If Edey can embrace that style of play, he has a chance to stick around.
