Zach Edey‘s NBA debut didn’t go as planned. The giant Memphis Grizzlies rookie made a sad entry into history, setting a record no player wants. Edey, the ninth player drafted overall by Purdue, fouled out after playing just 15 minutes in the Grizzlies’ season-opening game against the Utah Jazz. According to OptaSTATS, this made it the first player since the NBA-ABA merger to make his NBA debut and foul out in 15 minutes or less—an accomplishment that left fans and analysts abuzz.
The Grizzlies still pulled off a thrilling 126-124 win over Utah, but Edey’s contributions were minimal, scoring just five points with five rebounds. While he showed potential in the preseason, his debut highlighted the steep learning curve he faces. Positioned as Memphis’ starting center, the Grizzlies’ confidence in Edey is undeniable, but his transition has proven bumpy. Plagued by six fouls, Edey struggled to stay focused, his errors mostly stemming from poor positioning—a common pitfall for rookies that often improves with experience.
Edey wasn’t the only Grizzlies center under scrutiny. Injuries to key players like Jaren Jackson Jr. have left Memphis looking for other options at the center position. Brandon Clarke’s versatility seemed like a sure fit, but he disappointed, leaving Jay Huff with the opportunity to step up. Huff, signed to a two-way contract, rose to the occasion, scoring 13 points in 22 minutes, shooting efficiently from the field and also making three 3-pointers, a much-needed confidence boost for the team.
Edey, who is just starting his journey, now faces high expectations from Memphis fans and the coaching staff. As he adjusts to the intense pace and physicality of the NBA, Memphis is hoping for quicker improvement from the rookie center, especially as they push toward playoff contention. His defensive positioning, timing and ability to adapt to faster opponents will be crucial to his long-term success.
Despite having etched his name into an inconvenient part of NBA history, Edey has a long way to go to rewrite its history. With guidance, and perhaps the eventual return of Jackson to bolster the defense, he could soon live up to his pre-draft promise. For now, the Grizzlies and their fans are hoping their young giant finds his groove, hopefully in time to make a significant impact this season.
