Zach Edey’s return to Toronto brought another chance to play in front of his hometown crowd — and a reminder that his value to the Memphis Grizzlies extends beyond scoring.

The Toronto-born centre had eight points and nine rebounds in Memphis’s 118–102 win over the Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Monday, according to reporting by John Chidley-Hill of The Canadian Press, published by Global News.

Edey’s nine rebounds helped the Grizzlies finish with a 44–34 advantage on the boards. The seven-foot-four centre is averaging 8.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and one assist per game.

Memphis head coach Tuomas Iisalo said Edey influences games through rebounding, rim protection and the attention he draws from opposing defenders. That attention, Iisalo said, creates driving lanes for the Grizzlies’ guards.

For Edey, who grew up in midtown Toronto, playing at the Raptors’ home arena still carries a personal significance, even with fewer ticket requests from friends and family this time.

“It’s always a lot of fun to come home and hear the anthem and get into the atmosphere again,” he said.

The 24-year-old arrived in the NBA after twice winning the Naismith Award as U.S. college basketball’s player of the year at Purdue. He said he has yet to reach the level he believes he can achieve professionally.

“I’m going to keep working,” Edey said. “I’m going to keep doing what I think is the best way to play basketball.”

Sources