Zach Edey Remains in Ramp-Up Phase at Grizzlies Training Camp

Zach Edey went through the first practice of Memphis Grizzlies training camp Tuesday at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. When the team came back for the second session of the day, Edey was limited, Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal reported.

General manager Zach Kleiman had said one day earlier, at media day, that Edey was cleared for full-speed, full-court activity. Kleiman also said Memphis expects the 7-foot-3 center to be ready when the Utah Jazz visit FedExForum for the Oct. 21 opener.

Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo put Edey in "ramp-up phase two" at Belmont and said he was not yet cleared for two-a-day practices, Sam Dicus of Belmont Vision reported. Iisalo also said Edey's nature is to keep pushing, Cole reported.

Edey's last game came Dec. 7, a Memphis win over the Portland Trail Blazers. In March, the Grizzlies announced another operation on his left ankle, this one for discomfort and bone stress. He had first undergone surgery on that ankle June 7, 2025, to correct laxity in the joint. His left elbow needed a procedure as well.

Over the 11 appearances he made last season, Edey put up 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

Memphis took Edey ninth overall in 2024 out of Purdue, where he was a two-time national player of the year. He missed 12 games early in his rookie season with a sprained left ankle. Edey still made the All-Rookie First Team after averaging 9.2 points and 8.3 rebounds in 66 games.

At this point a year ago, Edey had just been cleared, on Sept. 26, 2025, to begin ramping up basketball activities. The Grizzlies projected his return to play at six to nine weeks.

This preseason has four games. Memphis plays at Atlanta on Monday, hosts the Orlando Magic on Oct. 7, and visits the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 9. The exhibition finale is Oct. 16 against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum.

Kleiman said at media day that Edey has not been ruled out of those games and could get limited minutes. He also said the team might take a more conservative path and that a decision to hold Edey back should not be read as a setback.

Memphis has until Nov. 2 to exercise the team option on Edey's contract, ESPN's Bobby Marks noted in his training camp guide. The same deadline covers Cedric Coward and Walter Clayton Jr.

Isaiah Stewart, acquired from the Detroit Pistons in June for three future second-round picks, joins Edey at center. Memphis also drafted Cameron Boozer third overall in June.

The Grizzlies hold an open practice Sunday at FedExForum. Their preseason opener against the Atlanta Hawks tips off Monday at 6 p.m. CT.