The Grizzlies are going to be without their big man for the foreseeable future.
Memphis center Zach Edey is projected to miss at least four weeks after suffering a stress reaction in his left ankle, the team announced on Thursday.
According to ESPN, Edey’s time on the sideline appears to be more of a precautionary move by the Grizzlies.
“This is a management plan to optimize Zach’s long-term health in consultation with the Grizzlies and medical experts,” Mark Bartelstien, Edey’s agent, told ESPN.
“Following this step, the short and long-term prognosis for Zach is excellent,” Bartelstein added.
Edey previously underwent surgery on the affected ankle over this past summer, and his recovery caused the 7-foot-3 center to miss the Grizzlies’ first 13 games of the 2025-26 season.
So far this season, Edey has shown a considerable jump in his play compared to his rookie year, putting up 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks through 11 games.
Edey was chosen by Memphis with the No. 9 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, and posted a respectable 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while placing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting.
The 23-year-old’s injury comes as star Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is dealing with a right calf strain.
Morant, 26, has not played a game since the Grizzlies’ 108-100 loss to the Cavaliers on Nov. 15, suiting up in just 12 contests this season.
The two-time All-Star’s numbers have been down as well in the short time period, averaging just 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.6 assists while shooting an atrocious 35.9 percent from the field.
Morant has also reportedly had issues with the Memphis coaching staff, which resulted in a one-game suspension after telling reporters to “go ask the coaching staff” when asked about his struggles following a loss to the Lakers in November.
The Athletic previously reported in November that Morant’s time in Memphis could come to an end, with the Timberwolves and Kings emerging as potential suitors for the former No. 2 overall pick.
Memphis, which had a rough start to the season, has caught fire as of late, winning seven of its past nine games to raise its record to 11-13 on the year.
