Many basketball analysts have been skeptical about Zach Edey’s prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft, suggesting that he might not be picked in the early stages of the first round.
However, recent reports indicate that the former Purdue standout could be more coveted than initially thought, particularly by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer shared insights in a feature published Monday, hinting at considerable interest from the Trail Blazers.
According to sources close to the NBA, Portland, which holds both the No. 7 and No. 14 picks, is “extremely high” on Edey. While it was initially thought that the Trail Blazers might target the 7-foot-4 center with their later pick, the narrative seems to be shifting.
O’Connor pointed out that Portland appears eager to enhance their roster by adding a prominent center to complement Scoot Henderson and the team’s burgeoning young core, with Edey or UConn’s Donovan Clingan as potential candidates.
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Edey, a towering presence on the court, has been a dominant force in college basketball. He clinched the Big Ten Player of the Year and was named the National Player of the Year consecutively, leading Purdue to the national championship game this season, where they faced a defeat against UConn.
Despite critiques suggesting that his style of play may not seamlessly transition to the NBA, Edey has been diligently working on refining his skills to bolster his draft stock and adapt effectively to the professional level.
The interest in Edey is not limited to Portland; another prominent team in the Western Conference has also been keeping tabs on him, further hinting that he might be selected earlier than many have predicted.
This growing intrigue underscores a possible shift in perception regarding his potential impact in the NBA, suggesting that teams are beginning to see value in his unique skill set and towering presence inside the paint.
As the draft approaches, it will be interesting to see how high Edey climbs in the draft order and which team will secure his services for the upcoming season.
