Grizzlies' Zach Edey Won't Play for Canada in Olympics; Will Prepare for NBA Season

Memphis Grizzlies rookie center Zach Edey has removed himself from the process to earn a spot on the Canadian men's basketball team for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.

Edey released a statement on the matter and revealed that he made the decision to prepare for his first NBA season with the Grizzlies, who selected him with the No. 9 overall draft pick on Wednesday.

Rowan Barrett, the national team's general manager, also released a statement.

"Canada Basketball was recently notified by Zach of his intention to remove himself from consideration to represent Canada at this summer's Olympic Games. While we were optimistic about having Zach join us in training camp, we understand and support him in this difficult decision. On behalf of Canada Basketball, I would like to congratulate him on being drafted into the NBA. We look forward to welcoming him to a future training camp and wish him the best of luck preparing for next season."

Edey was one of 20 members on the Canadian training camp roster. Twelve players will be selected to represent Canada in the Olympics, which begin July 24.

Edey, a former Purdue star and reigning back-to-back college basketball player of the year, just averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game for the national runner-up. He now finds himself with a great opportunity in Memphis to become the Grizzlies' starting center and form a dynamic frontcourt duo alongside Jaren Jackson Jr.

Obviously, choosing the NBA over potentially representing his home country in the Olympics (if he made the team) is a tough call, but the 7'4" big man obviously wants to get off on the right foot in the pros as he looks to make his mark.