Zach Edey Voted 2024-25 NBA ROY over Reed Sheppard, Sarr, More by Coaches, Insiders

As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, predictions about the top players in the league are starting to roll in, and experts reportedly made a surprising pick for who will win Rookie of the Year.

ESPN's Tim Bontemps polled a group of 18 NBA coaches, scouts and executives, and Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey led the ballot for Rookie of the Year with eight votes.

Edey was one of six players to receive votes for Rookie of the Year, which is another sign that the 2024 draft class was lacking a consensus top player. Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard was second with five votes and Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr received two votes. Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs, Tristan da Silva of the Orlando Magic and Rob Dillingham of the Minnesota Timberwolves received one vote apiece.

Bontemps explained that Edey will have the opportunity to contribute immediately as a presumptive starter for the Grizzlies, giving him the edge over Sheppard.

"While Edey is slated to start at center right away, the Rockets' backcourt depth could impact playing time for Sheppard," Bontemps stated.

Edey was a two-time National College Player of the Year during his time at Purdue. The 7'4" big man was a force on both ends of the floor, averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks during his senior season. He is expected to be a defensive anchor in Memphis' frontcourt alongside 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Grizzlies were hampered by injuries to multiple key players last season, which resulted in their 27-55 finish to the year. Memphis is hoping that a healthy year from its stars and the addition of Edey will help the team return to playoff contention in 2024-25.