Zach Edey, 7-4

[Diop]

Could Zach develop shooting range? Maybe. Maybe not. Since 2012, LeBron has shot 72.7% FT on 6.7 attempts per game and 36.0% 3PT on 5 attempts per game. Who knows what happens with Zach's development? Not that his game hinges on his perimeter shot - it's a bonus add-on.

Reports from the 2023 NBA Combine and Purdue practices are positive. There are several clips online of him shooting and his shot looks great. Great form. Someone on Twitter was at a Purdue practice and said he shot 40/65 from three, which is promising.

This smells like the summer workout clips of Ben Simmons lighting it up during pickup games. Comparing him to Lebron is idiotic. Edey doesn't dribble the ball, set up the offense, or break down defenses and find open teammates like Lebron, Giannis & Wemby.

Technical Foul. Strawmanning. Two shots.

tech fouls are only awarded 1 shot in the NBA. Your coaching challenge is unsuccessful

[Diop]

Spoiler:

This smells like the summer workout clips of Ben Simmons lighting it up during pickup games. Comparing him to Lebron is idiotic. Edey doesn't dribble the ball, set up the offense, or break down defenses and find open teammates like Lebron, Giannis & Wemby.

Technical Foul. Strawmanning. Two shots.

Sorry Frodo, this isn't the Shire. You probably think that all big humans are magical because you are a dwarf.

i really dont get this burn? I assume thats what you're trying to do??

[Big J]

If Gobert has success in the NBA, there is still a chance that Edey can also be a productive starter in the NBA.

Gobert plays because he's an excellent defender...

now if there is evidence that Edey has no where near the defensive instinct skills of Gobert to stay on the court, then I'd be ready to write him off as a prospect.

there the arguments im looking for instead of the lazy, "he's big and slow, he won't fit in modern NBA."

How is big and slow a lazy argument? He literally is slow and can't defend in space. If he wasn't slow then he would be being talked about as a top 3 pick.

[Diop]

Gobert plays because he's an excellent defender...

now if there is evidence that Edey has no where near the defensive instinct skills of Gobert to stay on the court, then I'd be ready to write him off as a prospect.

there the arguments im looking for instead of the lazy, "he's big and slow, he won't fit in modern NBA."

How is big and slow a lazy argument? He literally is slow and can't defend in space. If he wasn't slow then he would be being talked about as a top 3 pick.

yet he's faster than other current NBA centres, including a multiple defensive player of the year winner.

[Big J]

now if there is evidence that Edey has no where near the defensive instinct skills of Gobert to stay on the court, then I'd be ready to write him off as a prospect.

there the arguments im looking for instead of the lazy, "he's big and slow, he won't fit in modern NBA."

How is big and slow a lazy argument? He literally is slow and can't defend in space. If he wasn't slow then he would be being talked about as a top 3 pick.

yet he's faster than other current NBA centres, including a multiple defensive player of the year winner.

Combine numbers do not equal functional on court speed/quickness.

[mademan]

If im OKC i take him in the lotto. I understand the risk of him possibly being unplayable, but dude seems like the perfect C beside Chet if he works out.

Put him beside Chet so that they can take the ball out of SGA & JDub's hands on offense and feed Edey in the post?

They dont need to feed him. Dude's size has gravity on its own

[Big J]

If im OKC i take him in the lotto. I understand the risk of him possibly being unplayable, but dude seems like the perfect C beside Chet if he works out.

Put him beside Chet so that they can take the ball out of SGA & JDub's hands on offense and feed Edey in the post?

They dont need to feed him. Dude's size has gravity on its own

Lol, no it’s not. Teams will let him get as many post touches as he wants if that means the other guys don’t have the ball in their hands.

[JMAC3]

If Gobert has success in the NBA, there is still a chance that Edey can also be a productive starter in the NBA.

Gobert plays because he's an excellent defender...

now if there is evidence that Edey has no where near the defensive instinct skills of Gobert to stay on the court, then I'd be ready to write him off as a prospect.

there the arguments im looking for instead of the lazy, "he's big and slow, he won't fit in modern NBA."

The entire premise that Edey is a good defender is just based on that he is big like Gobert. He actually has the worst shot blocking and steal numbers if you look at Mark Williams, Gobert, Clingham and Sarr.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=donovan-clingan--zach-edey--alexandre-sarr--rudy-gobert--mark-williams

All while being the oldest of the group

[GoBobs]

Gobert plays because he's an excellent defender...

now if there is evidence that Edey has no where near the defensive instinct skills of Gobert to stay on the court, then I'd be ready to write him off as a prospect.

there the arguments im looking for instead of the lazy, "he's big and slow, he won't fit in modern NBA."

The entire premise that Edey is a good defender is just based on that he is big like Gobert. He actually has the worst shot blocking and steal numbers if you look at Mark Williams, Gobert, Clingham and Sarr.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=donovan-clingan--zach-edey--alexandre-sarr--rudy-gobert--mark-williams

All while being the oldest of the group

Not saying that is the strongest part of Edey's game because it isn't. There is a lot that goes into block rate though which is what you are showing by putting the stats on per 36 as you have done in the graphic.

For example Clingan in his freshman season averaged 5.5 blocks per 40 min and this season he averaged 4.5 blocks per 40 min. So what happened did he get worse? Probably not because he actually has more blocks overall as a sophomore. He just played more minutes and that will usually make the block rate go down. If he has success defending the rim than the opposing team will stop going to the hole so much and he will see a greater number of minutes without blocks.

So really that block rate number should be combined with the rate that opposing teams score at the rim to give a clearer picture.

On the year Clingan has 81 blocks and Edey has 80 blocks. Of course this is with Edey playing a lot more minutes, but how many block opportunities there were is also important. So this is why we need to also ask how opposing teams are scoring in the paint with these guys in the game.

[SeattleJazzFan]

now if there is evidence that Edey has no where near the defensive instinct skills of Gobert to stay on the court, then I'd be ready to write him off as a prospect.

there the arguments im looking for instead of the lazy, "he's big and slow, he won't fit in modern NBA."

How is big and slow a lazy argument? He literally is slow and can't defend in space. If he wasn't slow then he would be being talked about as a top 3 pick.

yet he's faster than other current NBA centres, including a multiple defensive player of the year winner.

i'm a fan of edey as a draft prospect. bigger fan than most on this board i think but he is not faster than Gobert. Gobert moves so much better than edey, is longer and is a much more explosive vertical athlete.

you need to take those combine numbers and throw them in the trash. they mean nothing as it relates to what they are capable of on the court.

[GoBobs]

How is big and slow a lazy argument? He literally is slow and can't defend in space. If he wasn't slow then he would be being talked about as a top 3 pick.

yet he's faster than other current NBA centres, including a multiple defensive player of the year winner.

i'm a fan of edey as a draft prospect. bigger fan than most on this board i think but he is not faster than Gobert. Gobert moves so much better than edey, is longer and is a much more explosive vertical athlete.

you need to take those combine numbers and throw them in the trash. they mean nothing as it relates to what they are capable of on the court.

Well maybe Gobert has improved since he was tested, but at the time he was tested those were his numbers. At the same age Edey is bigger, heavier, and faster and that is a fact.

[GoBobs]

Gobert plays because he's an excellent defender...

now if there is evidence that Edey has no where near the defensive instinct skills of Gobert to stay on the court, then I'd be ready to write him off as a prospect.

there the arguments im looking for instead of the lazy, "he's big and slow, he won't fit in modern NBA."

The entire premise that Edey is a good defender is just based on that he is big like Gobert. He actually has the worst shot blocking and steal numbers if you look at Mark Williams, Gobert, Clingham and Sarr.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=donovan-clingan--zach-edey--alexandre-sarr--rudy-gobert--mark-williams

All while being the oldest of the group

If you want to prove he is a bad defensive player why don't you compare his block rate to some bad defensive players

[FrodoBaggins]

Overrated: blocks, steals, mobility, switchability
Underrated: paint and rim deterrence, good positioning and rotations, boxing out, defensive rebounding, not fouling

Guys like Nene and Jason Collins had huge defensive impacts according to analytics guys. Although their box score stats were subpar their play-by-play data on/off numbers were exceptional. Defense is so much more than how many blocks and steals you accumulate, and Zach's numbers aren't even bad.

Most of the best defenses in recent history have been teams with drop bigs. 2023-24 Timberwolves, 2019-20 Bucks, 2018-19 Raptors (in the playoffs w/ Marc Gasol), 2015-16 Spurs, 2016-17 Spurs... Zach is bigger and similarly mobile to Rudy Gobert, Brook Lopez, Marc Gasol, Tim Duncan, and Pau Gasol. Actually more mobile according to the NBA Combine tests.

Zach has the size and is mobile enough. We'll be able to better assess his defensive activity, motor, and tendencies when he's not playing for Purdue. He's too important to risk getting in foul trouble. Summer League will be interesting. If he has any issues on defense it'll be related to the decisions he makes on the court and the technique he displays. In other words, it won't be his physical qualities.

[bucknut]

Hurley said it best. If edey isn't a great NBA player....there is something wrong with the nba.

Who is the last post up big as talented as edey ? Mark Williams etc all these guys fit the same mold....defensive bigs. Nobody has been able to score. Not even apt comparison

Again.....look at bobans per minute Domination.....edey has the foot speed of a Lopez of a Gobert. Why is it also ok to play guards who can't defend a wet paper bag but a big has to be an a+defender

[JMAC3]

now if there is evidence that Edey has no where near the defensive instinct skills of Gobert to stay on the court, then I'd be ready to write him off as a prospect.

there the arguments im looking for instead of the lazy, "he's big and slow, he won't fit in modern NBA."

The entire premise that Edey is a good defender is just based on that he is big like Gobert. He actually has the worst shot blocking and steal numbers if you look at Mark Williams, Gobert, Clingham and Sarr.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=donovan-clingan--zach-edey--alexandre-sarr--rudy-gobert--mark-williams

All while being the oldest of the group

If you want to prove he is a bad defensive player why don't you compare his block rate to some bad defensive players

I don't think there is anything to prove. You have made up your mind Edey is the #1 player in the class, you are more than welcome to attach your stamp of approval to that. Just know that when you zig this hard when you are wrong you are 100% going to be trolled for it. Just as if Edey is awesome I expect to get trolled over it.

In terms of the block rate, I really don't care that much. I just think the Gobert comp is really lazy because Edey is nowhere near that level of defender. If the argument is he can be a an average defender but Gobert offensively then sure but that is probably not worth a lottery pick.

[JMAC3]

Overrated: blocks, steals, mobility, switchability
Underrated: paint and rim deterrence, good positioning and rotations, boxing out, defensive rebounding, not fouling

Guys like Nene and Jason Collins had huge defensive impacts according to analytics guys. Although their box score stats were subpar their play-by-play data on/off numbers were exceptional. Defense is so much more than how many blocks and steals you accumulate, and Zach's numbers aren't even bad.

Most of the best defenses in recent history have been teams with drop bigs. 2023-24 Timberwolves, 2019-20 Bucks, 2018-19 Raptors (in the playoffs w/ Marc Gasol), 2015-16 Spurs, 2016-17 Spurs... Zach is bigger and similarly mobile to Rudy Gobert, Brook Lopez, Marc Gasol, Tim Duncan, and Pau Gasol. Actually more mobile according to the NBA Combine tests.

Zach has the size and is mobile enough. We'll be able to better assess his defensive activity, motor, and tendencies when he's not playing for Purdue. He's too important to risk getting in foul trouble. Summer League will be interesting. If he has any issues on defense it'll be related to the decisions he makes on the court and the technique he displays. In other words, it won't be his physical qualities.

Yet you still aren't taking him in the first round.

[JMAC3]

Hurley said it best. If edey isn't a great NBA player....there is something wrong with the nba.

Who is the last post up big as talented as edey ? Mark Williams etc all these guys fit the same mold....defensive bigs. Nobody has been able to score. Not even apt comparison

Again.....look at bobans per minute Domination.....edey has the foot speed of a Lopez of a Gobert. Why is it also ok to play guards who can't defend a wet paper bag but a big has to be an a+defender

Drew Timme, Luka Garza, Kofi Cockburn... all dominated college basketball as post scorers. There are probably 20 more over the last 4-5 years.

[Big J]

Overrated: blocks, steals, mobility, switchability
Underrated: paint and rim deterrence, good positioning and rotations, boxing out, defensive rebounding, not fouling

Guys like Nene and Jason Collins had huge defensive impacts according to analytics guys. Although their box score stats were subpar their play-by-play data on/off numbers were exceptional. Defense is so much more than how many blocks and steals you accumulate, and Zach's numbers aren't even bad.

Most of the best defenses in recent history have been teams with drop bigs. 2023-24 Timberwolves, 2019-20 Bucks, 2018-19 Raptors (in the playoffs w/ Marc Gasol), 2015-16 Spurs, 2016-17 Spurs... Zach is bigger and similarly mobile to Rudy Gobert, Brook Lopez, Marc Gasol, Tim Duncan, and Pau Gasol. Actually more mobile according to the NBA Combine tests.

Zach has the size and is mobile enough. We'll be able to better assess his defensive activity, motor, and tendencies when he's not playing for Purdue. He's too important to risk getting in foul trouble. Summer League will be interesting. If he has any issues on defense it'll be related to the decisions he makes on the court and the technique he displays. In other words, it won't be his physical qualities.

Summer league won’t tell us anything. James Wiseman dominated summer league.

[Big J]

Hurley said it best. If edey isn't a great NBA player....there is something wrong with the nba.

Who is the last post up big as talented as edey ? Mark Williams etc all these guys fit the same mold....defensive bigs. Nobody has been able to score. Not even apt comparison

Again.....look at bobans per minute Domination.....edey has the foot speed of a Lopez of a Gobert. Why is it also ok to play guards who can't defend a wet paper bag but a big has to be an a+defender

Bigs have to be plus defenders because they are the anchors of a teams D. You can cover a guard who can’t defend because they aren’t the last line of defense. They also usually have the foot speed to at least stay in front of guys on the perimeter, whereas lumbering bigs are forced to play drop.

[FrodoBaggins]

Overrated: blocks, steals, mobility, switchability
Underrated: paint and rim deterrence, good positioning and rotations, boxing out, defensive rebounding, not fouling

Guys like Nene and Jason Collins had huge defensive impacts according to analytics guys. Although their box score stats were subpar their play-by-play data on/off numbers were exceptional. Defense is so much more than how many blocks and steals you accumulate, and Zach's numbers aren't even bad.

Most of the best defenses in recent history have been teams with drop bigs. 2023-24 Timberwolves, 2019-20 Bucks, 2018-19 Raptors (in the playoffs w/ Marc Gasol), 2015-16 Spurs, 2016-17 Spurs... Zach is bigger and similarly mobile to Rudy Gobert, Brook Lopez, Marc Gasol, Tim Duncan, and Pau Gasol. Actually more mobile according to the NBA Combine tests.

Zach has the size and is mobile enough. We'll be able to better assess his defensive activity, motor, and tendencies when he's not playing for Purdue. He's too important to risk getting in foul trouble. Summer League will be interesting. If he has any issues on defense it'll be related to the decisions he makes on the court and the technique he displays. In other words, it won't be his physical qualities.

Summer league won’t tell us anything. James Wiseman dominated summer league.

My point is that you're allowed 10 fouls in Summer League.