In a gut punch for Memphis Grizzlies fans, All-Rookie center Zach Edey is sidelined again. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on June 7, 2025, that Edey re-sprained his left ankle during an offseason workout, requiring surgery to “re-stabilize” it due to excessive ligamentous laxity. He’ll likely miss the start of the 2025-26 season, a blow for a team eyeing a deep playoff run after a 48-34 campaign. But with Edey’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, promising a “full recovery and better than ever” return, is this a temporary setback or a chance for Memphis to retool? Let’s unpack the injury, Edey’s impact, and the Grizzlies’ next moves.
Edey, the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, was a rookie revelation. The 7’4” Purdue star led all rookies with 8.3 rebounds per game, shot 58% from the field, and notched 12 double-doubles, tying Marc Gasol’s 2008-09 Grizzlies rookie record, per ESPN. His +164 plus-minus ranked second league-wide, and his 15.7 RPG over a six-game April stretch, including a 21-rebound night in Detroit, broke a 29-year franchise rookie record. Edey earned 73 first-team All-Rookie votes, joining Stephon Castle and Zaccharie Risacher as the only players on all 100 ballots, per The Athletic. But ankle woes plagued him: a July 2024 Summer League sprain cost five games, and a November 17 sprain vs. Denver sidelined him for 12, per CBS Sports. This latest injury, per Charania, stems from recurring issues, with X fans like @JarenDPOY speculating a 6-8 month recovery (February 2026 at best).
The surgery, set for June 10, aims to address ligament laxity for long-term stability, Bartelstein told ESPN. “After consulting with the Grizzlies and multiple specialists, this is the best approach for Zach,” he said, ensuring “100% with no limitations.” Yet, fans on X (@RomeovilleKid) question the necessity, noting three left ankle sprains in a year. The Grizzlies’ thin center depth—only Brandon Clarke (recovering from a PCL sprain) and Jay Huff remain—puts pressure on GM Zach Kleiman, per The Athletic. Names like Steven Adams, Brook Lopez, or Clint Capela could fill the gap via the mid-level exception, while Jaren Jackson Jr. may slide to center, though coach Taylor Jenkins prefers him at the four, per NBC Sports.
Memphis’ 2024-25 season ended with a first-round sweep by OKC, despite Edey’s 9.0 PPG and 9.8 RPG in the playoffs, per Knup Sports. His role evolved from Purdue’s post-up beast to a rim-protecting, duck-in specialist, averaging 1.3 BPG in 66 games (55 starts), per NBA.com. Jenkins praised Edey’s growth as a cutter and spacer, but his absence could force a trade, with X posts (@GrizzFan76) hinting at a big move. Edey’s college durability—138 of 139 games played—suggests resilience, but recurring ankle issues raise concerns, per IndyStar.
What’s the payoff? Edey’s return could mirror his April surge, bolstering a core with Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaylen Wells. Memphis’ 48 wins and No. 3 West seed show contender potential, but without Edey, they’ll need to adapt.