Grizzlies Announce Zach Edey’s Season-Ending Surgery
The Memphis Grizzlies have officially announced that center Zach Edey will miss the entirety of the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season following a successful surgical procedure on his left ankle. The team confirmed this unfortunate news on Sunday, detailing that the surgery was necessary to address persistent pain and bone stress issues affecting Edey. This procedure is anticipated to facilitate a complete recovery, allowing him to return to play for the 2026-27 season.
Timeline for Rehabilitation
After suffering a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, the Grizzlies have only 22 games left for this season, creating a tight timeline for Edey’s rehabilitation. The Purdue standout has been sidelined since December 7, when he played against the Portland Trail Blazers. A stress reaction in his left ankle was diagnosed shortly thereafter, which led to his continued absence from the team. Additionally, Edey underwent an initial ankle surgery last June, resulting in his missing the onset of the current season.
Details of the Surgery
Despite the discomfort he has faced, an update released by the Grizzlies indicated that the lateral ligaments in Edey’s ankle remain stable. The recent surgery aims to provide reinforcement to his medial ligament complex and promote healing of the bone, which is crucial for his long-term health and performance in the league.
Edey’s Performance and Future Prospects
Edey, who stands 7-foot-3 and weighs 305 pounds, has had a challenging second season in the NBA, averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds across his 11 games played. He was a highly regarded pick, selected ninth overall in the 2024 draft, but has been battling injuries, including a head injury earlier in the season.
Grizzlies’ Current Standing
Given the Grizzlies’ current standing at 23-37, they find themselves five games short of the last play-in tournament position in the Western Conference. This situation may shift the team’s focus towards the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, where they currently hold the eighth-best chance in the lottery. Early evaluations suggest that this draft class is particularly strong, with a promising pool of incoming freshmen potentially available within the top ten picks.
