ESPN boldly predicts a Grizzlies starter will take home a major award in 2024–25

Following their disastrous 2023–24 season, the Memphis Grizzlies look to get back into title contention next season. Although they made very few off-season moves, they should still be among the best teams in the West, especially after addressing their biggest hole.

The Grizzlies needed a center and drafted 7'4 big man Zach Edey ninth overall. While that might be seen as a reach, he was the best player in college basketball last season, averaging 25 points and 12 rebounds per game for Purdue. Those numbers aren't likely to translate to the NBA but he still projects to be a capable starting center. So much so that in ESPN's offseason survey (subscription required), he is expected to win Rookie of the Year in 2024–25.

Zach Edey's winning Rookie of the Year would have big implications for the Memphis Grizzlies.

That would be a major accomplishment for a player that many doubt can be a good NBA player. Better yet, for the Grizzlies, it would mean that they filled a glaring hole without having to trade for a center, and Edey will be on a cheap contract for the next four seasons.

That would give them time to see how their core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane look together at full strength. Bane and Jackson Jr. stepped up in the absence of Morant last season and that newfound experience can help Morant going forward.

That might not make them the best team in the Western Conference but there isn't a clear favorite with several teams vying for the top spot. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets are their primary competition, and they are as good as two of those teams now and could challenge the others in a seven-game series. Especially if they are healthy enough to have a better record.

If Edey is good enough to win Rookie of the Year, then he could be a factor with his skill in the post, finishing in the paint, blocking shots, and rebounding, making an impact. That would boost a Grizzlies team hoping to return to prominence in 2024–25.