The Future of Purdue’s Zach Edey in the NBA is Getting Clearer
There’s no denying the superstar power of Purdue’s Zach Edey, and everyone is guessing where he’ll get picked in the NBA Draft. The 2024 NCAA Championship happened several weeks ago, and now, all anyone can talk about when it comes to college hoops is the upcoming NBA Draft. At 7’4″, Edey was one of the tallest players in college hoops, and that height should help him in the pros, albeit not as much. Now, Edey has declared for the NBA Draft, reports ESPN. There was never really a question of if he would go to the NBA, but now, it’s official. So, where will Purdue’s Zach Edey end up?
Purdue’s Zach Edey: Where Will He Be Drafted?
Purdue’s Zach Edey is a huge talent on the court. He’s a two-time Naismith National Player of the Year. He helped lead Purdue to many victories during his time at the college. As a Michigan State Spartans fan, I was never happy to see Edey help the Boilmakers beat the Spartans, but I respect his talent and skills. But, even with all of his great skills, he’s not expected to be drafted in the top 10 in the NBA Draft. Many analysts, including myself, see him going later, although I could certainly see him being a mid-or-late first-round pick. Some NBA scouts think it will be hard for him to transition to the NBA, where his size won’t be such an anomaly. He’s also not known for his three-point shooting, which is critical in the NBA these days. That said, he’s still incredible and should be an asset to any team that picks him.
As for when his name will be called, ESPN has him as the No. 14 prospect in their draft projections. CBSSports.com has him as their No. 26 pick, but they note, “He’s been the best player in college for two straight years and should get looks as early as the teens in this draft.” USAToday.com has him anywhere from the No. 20 to No. 26 pick. Sports Illustrated as him going No. 26.
Regardless of what number he is, fans and analysts seem to want to see Purdue’s Zach Edey with the Toronto Raptors, since he’s Canadian. It would be a heartwarming homecoming to have him with the Raptors. In USAToday.com‘s latest mock draft, they have Toronto taking Matas Buzelis and Zach Edey, to add size to their team. Size is something they need and will get with those two guys. Moreover, fans on X (formerly Twitter) seem set on the idea of Edey coming back home to play for the Raptors.
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5. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are solid this year, but they aren’t one of the best of the best. That said, there’s lots of potential here. Watch these guys closely. It’s so fun to watch Tyrese Maxey, who is a total superstar. He’s been averaging an upwards of 28 points per game lately.
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4. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves had a big loss to the Bucks following the break, but then, they came back and definitively beat the Nets. The Wolves have been experiencing a few offensive hiccups, but they’re still one of the strongest teams in the league.
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3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder crew is on fire. Coming back from break, they totally blew out the Clippers, Wizards and Rockets. Chet Holmgren is a star here, averaging around 24 points a game.
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2. Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are another team that came out of break with fire. These guys have been on a winning streak since the break ended. Nikola Jokic has been especially strong since break, averaging around 27 points per game.
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1. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are really the strongest team in the NBA right now. They’re on a winning streak, which is nothing new for them. They have not one but a group of star players in Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White. It’s hard to see any team topping them.
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