The Memphis Grizzlies have received positive news on center Zach Edey's health ahead of training camp, with the big man expected to be ready for the new season following ankle surgery. This development is a bright spot for a team that finished the previous campaign with five consecutive losses, including a 132-101 defeat to the Houston Rockets on April 13, 2026. Edey's return to form could be central to the Grizzlies' efforts to rebuild their identity after trading Ja Morant and drafting Cameron Boozer third overall.
Zach Edey appears to be on schedule for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season. He underwent a second procedure on his left ankle in March to address bone stress and discomfort, just nine months after an initial surgery in the summer of 2025. The 7-foot-4 center was limited to only 11 games last season because of these issues. In those appearances, he put up impressive numbers, averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. His best performance came against the Sacramento Kings in late November, where he dropped a career-high 32 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, and blocked five shots.
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo has pointed to the stability Edey provided during that short stretch. Iisalo said the team wasn't running complex plays but simply executed basic tasks well, with everyone having a clear role. Edey himself felt motivated during his recovery, remembering how effective he was in those 11 games. The Grizzlies' training camp opens on September 29, and their first preseason test is October 5 against the Atlanta Hawks.
A healthy Zach Edey changes everything for Memphis's frontcourt. Paired with rookie Cameron Boozer, he could give the Grizzlies one of the most physically imposing interior duels in the league. His role is anticipated to expand significantly. Some observers believe that if Edey returns to his rookie-year productivity, he could even enter the conversation for the NBA's Most Improved Player award. His presence in the paint as a rebounder and shot-blocker is something the team sorely missed during its late-season slide.
The Grizzlies' recent form highlights the need for his defensive anchor. The skid included heavy losses to the Utah Jazz (147-101 on April 11) and the Denver Nuggets (136-119 on April 9). Edey's ability to protect the rim and control the glass would directly address some of those defensive woes.
The immediate focus is on a healthy start to training camp and integrating the new pieces. With Ja Morant now in Portland, the Grizzlies are building around a young core featuring Edey, Boozer, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, and Karim Lopez. Coach Iisalo's system relies on stability and clear roles, elements that were present only when Edey was available last year. His return allows the team to establish a consistent identity from day one.
Pre-season games will be the first real test of this new-look frontcourt. Success won't be measured in October wins, but in establishing rhythm and health. For Zach Edey, the goal is straightforward: stay on the court. His career has been stalled by ankle problems, but the Grizzlies are betting that his latest surgery has solved the issue. If it has, Memphis might just have the foundation for a surprising turnaround.
