Why Grizzlies Fans Shouldn't Panic About Zach Edey's Preseason Absence

The Memphis Grizzlies opened preseason play against the Atlanta Hawks, and the team did so without center Zach Edey in the lineup.

Memphis defeated Atlanta 132-123 in the preseason exhibition on Oct. 5. Edey was ruled out of Monday's game against the Hawks as he continues to recover from elbow and ankle surgery in March.

Entering Monday's preseason game, the Grizzlies' center was expected to be out. However, it's unclear whether he will miss the entire preseason. Memphis fans should not panic if he does.

Here are three reasons why Grizzlies fans should not panic about him missing the first preseason game or others.

Memphis is entering its first season with a brand-new team and the old era behind it. Rookie forward Cameron Boozer made his preseason debut, finishing the game with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals while shooting 55.6% from the field.

Boozer will likely be the face of the franchise. Edey will most likely be his frontcourt mate, but the infusion of young talent will allow the Memphis center to take the time he needs to heal while younger and newer players get acclimated to the franchise.

The starting lineup from Monday's game included guard Ty Jerome, center Quinten Post, forward Jaylen Wells, guard Cedric Coward, and Boozer.

Forward Jerami Grant, forward Kris Murray, forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper, forward Taylor Hendricks, forward GG Jackson, center Carson Cooper, and guard Scotty Pippen Jr. occupied a majority of the second-unit minutes.

While the lineups can change, the young Grizzlies team will take the remainder of the preseason to figure out final roster spots and rotations.

Since being drafted in 2024, Edey has played 77 games with the franchise. He has missed 87 regular-season games over the course of his young NBA career. During the 2024-25 season, he missed 16 games; last season, he missed 71.

The Purdue product has been limited by injuries. He is 7-foot-3 and weighs roughly 305 pounds, which can put significant stress on the body.

Despite Edey's limited sample size for evaluation, the team went 13-3 when he was in the lineup during the 2024-25 season. Last season, the team went 25-57 and was 7-4 when he was in the lineup.

The Grizzlies' center helped the team average 5.1 blocks per game when he played. When he didn't play, their blocks per game dropped to 4.7. His presence around the rim helps the team defend, dominate the glass, and limit fouling.

Last season, when Edey was in the lineup, the team averaged 50.2 rebounds per game. When he was not in the lineup, that average dropped to 40.9.

Memphis has an opportunity to build a roster through quality drafting, trades, and developing young talent. Clearly, the front office and team want to win, but risking Edey's health isn't the answer.

Once he returns, he will have Boozer and other young talent who can help take some of the workload off him. If the team's 3-point shooting improves, it will also generate more room in the post for him to operate.

For now, getting Edey healthy matters more than getting him preseason minutes.