NBA Rumors: Zach Edey Declines Invite to 2024 Draft, Will Watch with Purdue Teammates

Purdue center Zach Edey will not be at Barclays Center when the 2024 NBA draft begins on June 26.

According to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, Edey declined an invitation to attend the draft and has chosen to watch the event with his family as well as his former Boilermakers teammates.

The 2024 Big Ten Player of the Year wrapped up an impressive senior season at Purdue, leading his team to the NCAA Tournament title game.

In 39 starts, the 7'4" center averaged 25.2 points and 12.2 rebounds to go along with 2.2 blocks per game. He shot 62.3 percent from the field and 71.1 percent on free throws, connecting on one of his two three-point attempts as a senior.

Edey's decision to decline the invite isn't an uncommon choice, as 2023 first-round pick Kris Murray turned down an offer to attend the draft and chose to watch with his family instead.

In the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, the former Boilermaker was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 17 overall pick. His exact draft range is far from a certainty, as Wasserman wrote that "rival teams believe Zach Edey could go in the lottery."

In his scouting report of Edey, Wasserman highlighted the center's ability to use his size to finish efficiently at the rim as well as his tendency to send back opposing shots at the basket.

"He uses his powerful body to gain position and length to release over the top," Wasserman wrote. "And even without the quickest feet, he's a deterrent around the basket with how high his arms extend vertically."

While Edey's defensive mobility has raised some questions as he's about to enter a league with an abundance of shooting at all five positions, his college production and his 7'10.75" wingspan could cause scouts to feel more comfortable about his floor in the association.