Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey is expected to miss some time at the start of the 2025-26 season after undergoing surgery for a sprained ankle, ESPN reported Saturday.

After a solid rookie season, Edey was injured in an offseason workout earlier this week.

“After consulting with the Grizzlies and multiple specialists, we decided this is the best approach for Zach long-term as it gets him back to 100 percent with no limitations,” Edey’s agent Mark Bartelstein said, via ESPN. “He will make a full recovery and be back better than ever,”

The Grizzlies selected the 7-foot-4 center with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft after a phenomenal college career at Purdue. He was named the Naismith College Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons, becoming the first player to accomplish the feat since Ralph Sampson (1982-83).

As a rookie, Edey proved to be a pivotal presence for the playoff-bound Grizzlies, averaging 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across only 21.5 minutes per game. He started 55 games.

In the first round of the playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Edey was productive in Game 4, recording eight points, eight rebounds, and seven blocks. He was the first rookie ever to record those minimums in a playoff game while playing 33 minute or less.

–Field Level Media