One of the most polarizing prospects entering the 2024 NBA Draft is Purdue center, Zach Edey. Edey was dominant in his collegiate career with the Boilermakers, winning National Player of the Year during the 2022-23 campaign, and is in line to repeat that award this past season.
A force on both ends of the court, Edey made his presence felt whenever he was on the floor. This season, he averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.2 blocks in 32 minutes per game.
Against UConn in the National Championship Game, which Purdue lost 75-60, Edey was the only player to get anything going consistently. Matched up against fellow NBA Draft prospect Donovan Clingan, Edey scored 37 points with 10 rebounds and two blocks, playing 39 minutes.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Zach Edey, 2024 NBA Draft, Indiana Pacers Updates
While Edey will be recognized as one of the most dominant college basketball players of all time, there has been a lot of debate about how his game will translate to the next level. Will Edey be able to carve out a role in the NBA given the style of play that he has?
All it takes is for one franchise to like you enough to have your name called during the NBA Draft. Who could be the team that pulls the trigger on Edey? Joe Cox of Sportskeeda believes that it could be the Indiana Pacers who end up picking him.
Keeping the Purdue star in Indiana would make some sense. Sentimental reasons are viable ones for a player being selected, as Pacers fans have likely been following Edey’s entire career at Purdue.
On the court, Edey could fill a need for Indiana as well. Myles Turner is under contract for only one more season and the team could have to start looking for other options in the middle. Edey also brings something to the roster that they are missing; size.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Zach Edey, 2024 NBA Draft, Indiana Pacers Updates
There isn’t a single player on the Indiana roster who is listed as taller than 6’11”. That has led to issues at times on the glass as the Pacers are 27th in rebounds per game despite the fast pace at which they play.
Edey may have issues struggling with the speed of the NBA game, but his rebounding and post-up skills could still translate well. He won’t be able to stick with players on the perimeter defensively and needs to improve playing in space, but he has elite skills that the right coaching staff can develop into a useful player at the next level.
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