NBA Draft 2024: Zach Edey climbing draft boards; projected to go in the top 20

After one of the most dominant collegiate campaigns we have ever seen, Purdue Boilermaker center Zach Edey is ready to make the jump to the next level and prove all the critics wrong. Edey has one of the biggest frames we’ve seen in a long time from a prospect and is hoping to translate his dominance to the NBA landscape.

Standing at 7-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds, his touch around the rim and ability to get position inside are as good as anybody in this draft class. After an impressive NBA combine and workouts, he has continued to rise on many draft boards and has the ability to be an instant impact player wherever he is selected. 

However, he has key things to work on if he wants to reach his full potential at the NBA level. He lacks floor spacing and lateral quickness. In today’s NBA, if you can't at the very least give the offense an outlet of floor space, it is very hard to play consistent minutes. His shot was on display at the combine, but still a very big question mark entering the draft.

Luckily, his free throw shooting is pretty solid, and with NBA coaches, he can improve it even more and become a cinsistent 70–75% shooter from the charity stripe. He shot 71.1% from the line last season.

Over the last two seasons, Edey has won National player of the year in back-to-back seasons. In 2023-24 he averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks, while shooting 62.3% from the field.

Where will Edey land in the draft? 

According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Zach Edey is “a lock” to be drafted in the top 20, and many scouts and executives have valued him as a lottery pick, or just outside the lottery. His dominance at the college level is noticed by many at the NBA level and valued highly.

Givony has Edey projected to go to the Miami Heat with the 15th overall pick and also said that the Memphis Grizzlies have expressed interest in the big man with the 9th pick. Many other teams have shown interest as well. Two being the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks.

All four of these teams could use a center of his caliber, and his ability to impact the game on the defensive end is immense. Wherever Edey is drafted, his impact will be felt.