If you've been living under a rock or just haven't checked a box score since the college basketball season ended, you might still be picturing a giant in a Purdue jersey. But things have changed fast. People are constantly asking what team is zach edey on because his transition to the pros was one of those "will-he-or-won't-he" sagas that kept every sports talk host busy for months.
He’s in Memphis. Also making news lately: The Red Soil and the New Blood.
The Memphis Grizzlies took a massive gamble—literally and figuratively—when they drafted the 7'4" center with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Fast forward to January 2026, and the "Big Maple" is no longer a curiosity. He’s a cornerstone. Or at least, he's trying to be one while fighting off the "injury prone" label that usually haunts guys his size. Honestly, the fit in Memphis is kinda perfect when you think about the "Grit and Grind" culture they love down there.
The Current Status: Zach Edey on the Grizzlies
Right now, if you’re looking for Edey on a court, you might have to wait a week. As of January 13, 2026, Edey is still technically on the active roster for the Memphis Grizzlies, but he’s been sidelined since December 7, 2025. Additional information on this are covered by Sky Sports.
A stress reaction in his left foot—the kind of thing that makes NBA GMs lose sleep—has kept him out of the last 15 games. It’s frustrating. Before the injury, he was actually putting up monster numbers that silenced most of the "he's too slow for the NBA" haters. He was averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds.
Memphis just exercised his team option for the 2026-27 season this past October. That’s a roughly $6.3 million vote of confidence. They aren't giving up on the experiment. They are doubling down.
Does He Actually Play or Just Sit?
When he’s healthy, he starts. Period.
Earlier this season, he dropped a career-high 32 points and grabbed 17 rebounds against the Sacramento Kings. It was a bloodbath. He looked like a man among boys, which is hilarious considering he was playing against actual NBA veterans. He’s also currently leading the league in defensive rating for players getting at least 20 minutes a night.
- PPG: 13.6
- RPG: 11.1
- BPG: 1.9
- FG%: 63.3%
He’s not just a tall guy standing in the way. He’s actually becoming a problem for other teams. But the foot injury is the big asterisk. Memphis is currently 16-22, sitting 10th in the West, and they desperately need him back to help Jaren Jackson Jr. anchor that defense.
The Global Games and the Comeback
There is light at the end of the tunnel for Grizzlies fans. The team is heading to Europe this week for the NBA Global Games. They’ve got matchups against the Orlando Magic in Berlin and London.
Guess who is on the plane?
Zach Edey.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo hasn't confirmed if he'll suit up for the January 15 game in Berlin, but the fact that he's traveling across the Atlantic suggests he's close. You don't put a 300-pound man with a foot injury on a 10-hour flight just for the sight-seeing.
Why Memphis Kept Him
A lot of people thought he’d be a "bust" or a "situational" player like Boban Marjanovic. You know, the guy you bring in for three minutes to get a rebound and then sit back down because he can't move.
Edey proved that wrong.
He’s actually a decent free-throw shooter (hovering around 78% this season), which means teams can’t just "Hack-a-Edey" to get him off the floor. His presence allows Jaren Jackson Jr. to roam the perimeter and hunt for blocks while Edey just eats up space in the paint. It’s a terrifying defensive duo when both are active.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Game
The biggest misconception about Edey is that he's just a "lob threat."
Actually, his footwork in the post is way more advanced than people give him credit for. He’s got this little semi-hook shot that is essentially unblockable unless you’re Victor Wembanyama. And even then, it’s a toss-up.
People also assumed he’d get "cooked" in the pick-and-roll. While he’s definitely not a track star, the Grizzlies have figured out a "drop coverage" system that keeps him near the rim. It works. The numbers don't lie: when he’s on the floor, the Grizzlies' defensive rating improves significantly.
He's also started shooting the occasional three. He’s only made one this season out of five attempts, so don't expect him to turn into Dirk Nowitzki anytime soon, but the fact that the coaching staff is letting him take them shows they want him to evolve.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Edey?
If you’re tracking what team is zach edey on for your fantasy league or just because you’re a fan, keep your eyes on the injury reports for the London game on January 18. That feels like the most realistic return date if he misses the Berlin opener.
Memphis is committed to him through at least 2027. They see him as the long-term solution to the void left after the Steven Adams era.
To keep up with his progress, you should monitor the official Memphis Grizzlies PR Twitter account or check the daily injury reports on the NBA's official site. If he stays healthy, he’s a walking double-double and a dark horse for a defensive award down the line. If the foot issues persist, he might become one of the NBA's biggest "what ifs."
For now, he is a Grizzly. And he's making a lot of skeptics look pretty silly.
Actionable Insights for Following Edey:
- Check the Injury Report: Monitor "Stress Reaction - Left Foot" updates before every Grizzlies game.
- Watch the Global Games: If he plays in Berlin or London, it’s a sign the medical staff believes his foot can handle high-intensity travel and play.
- Track the On/Off Splits: Look at the Grizzlies' defensive rating when Edey sits versus when he plays; it's the best indicator of his true value to the team.
