(WXIN/WTTV) — From projected second-rounder to surprise lottery pick to favorite to win Rookie of the Year, Zach Edey’s stock has risen immensely since joining the NBA.
After just one official Summer League game for the Memphis Grizzlies organization, the former Purdue University star and NCAA basketball phenom has now risen to the top of the ROTY leaderboards.
Edey made his debut for the Grizzlies on Monday night with an exhibition game against the Utah Jazz’s Summer League team. Despite his team losing in overtime – an OT he forced with a tip-in as regulation winded down – the Toronto native shined while recording a double-double in his first NBA outing. The 7’4″ Edey finished the game with 14 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks.
Despite many NBA draft analysts being skeptical about the back-to-back Naismith College Player of the Year’s game translating to the league, Edey was taken #9 overall by Memphis last month in the first round. Now, the gambling market is taking notice of Edey.
Per Bet MGM Sportsbook, Edey has now risen to the top of the favorites list to win NBA Rookie of the Year. When ROTY odds opened after the draft on Bet MGM, the former Boilermaker was at +2500 to win the award. On June 26, he was at +1200. Now, he is at +700.
Other companies also have Edey listed at the top. FanDuel Sportsbook’s updated ROTY lines on Tuesday morning have the big man at +600, just above top two picks Alexandre Sarr (+700) and Zaccharie Risacher (+750).
While some questions may remain about Edey’s overall athleticism and speed, it is undeniable that his size and strength will be hard for NBA centers to combat. And, at least for now, major sportsbooks believe he will win the top award given to the league’s first-year players.
