The highly touted rookie center, who the Grizzlies selected with the ninth overall pick of the draft, made his NBA debut in the regular season against a familiar opponent. Zach Edey made his NBA Summer League debut in a matchup against Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, posting a 14-point, 15-rebound performance.

However, the start to his NBA regular season career got off to a slow start as he was nervous at the start of the game and was unable to connect with the other starters. His first points came on an offensive rebound putback, which bodes well for what the Grizzlies will need from him this season.

He fouled out early in the fourth quarter, but it was mostly a pedestrian performance. However, he was able to take some good things from his first career game that could impact the team’s future.

After attempting just one shot in the first half, Edey got a few looks early in the third period but struggled to turn away a lob and a pass pass before committing his fourth foul. He did score another putback, but had to sit out the rest of the quarter due to foul trouble.

The team ended up trying to get the ball on his block on the first offensive possession of the first quarter, which resulted in a foul. However, Edey missed both free throws, to the delight of the Utah crowd, who won Free Chicken as a result.

He finished his first career game with five points on 2-4 shooting, including 1-5 from the free throw line. He was a good free throw shooter (70.6%) in his college career, so expect more from him in the future.

Considering that Edey only has a few minutes of play due to foul issues, he performed well in the rebounding department (five rebounds). His first two baskets came off offensive rebounds, and another offensive board nearly led to the Grizzlies scoring three baskets in the third quarter. Rebounding is the most important thing the Grizzlies need from him, and he did that brilliantly in his NBA debut where he played less than 15 minutes.

The defense was decent as the Jazz had to make business decisions when attacking the paint, and although Edey had no blocks in the first half, he converted several shots at the rim. However, he was out of action for most of the first half due to foul trouble, so he only played eight minutes.

The Jazz attacked Edey in the second half and the foul trouble continued as the rookie failed to secure a block in his NBA debut.

Final grade: C