Purdue’s Zach Edey is Shifting in NBA Mock Drafts
The NBA Draft is on the way, and Purdue basketball star Zach Edey is one of the most talked-about players in the mix. Edey has surprisingly not been a top pick in NBA Mock Drafts. But, the tide is turning, and now, Edey is getting more respect and moving up in some NBA Mock Drafts.
Purdue’s Zach Edey is Shifting in NBA Mock Drafts
As soon as college hoops wrapped up, the NBA Draft buzz started. Fans of Purdue’s Zach Edey have been following his journey and will likely watch him in the NBA, wherever he lands. But, Edey has consistently been between the 20th and 30th pick in 2024 NBA Mock Drafts. About a month ago, the experts at CBS Sports had him going 22nd overall to the New Orleans Pelicans. Likewise, USA Today, Bleacher Report and NBADraft.net all had him going between the 20th and 30th pick. So, why not sooner? Even though Edey is one of college basketball’s greatest players, some NBA scouts have been skeptical about how he’ll perform in the NBA, where his 7’4″ height won’t be such an anomaly. Without that advantage, they’ve worried about how he might stand up to the other players. Also, although Edey is a fantastic player down low, the new era of the NBA relies on three-point shooting, which is not his strength. That said, he’s still a catch, and any team will be fortunate to snag him. Now, some NBA Mock Drafts are starting to take notice.
Week by week, Edey has been moving up in NBA Mock Draft predictions. About two weeks ago, ESPN had him as the No. 14 prospect in the draft. Now, ESPN has him all the way up at No. 9. That’s a huge leap from the 20s and 30s that we were seeing a month ago. SportingNews.com (via MSN.com) has him going mid-first round, which is still a bit low but higher than initial predictions. “Edey helped his draft stock during Purdue’s run to the national championship game, cementing his status as a first-round pick,” they state. They think he might go to the Pelicans, but USAToday.com has Toronto taking him along with Matas Buzelis. I’ve moved Edey up to No. 15 in my NBA Mock Draft, which is way up from where I had him at No. 27. Either way, Edey is enjoying his time off. On Monday night (May 5), Edey threw out the The hardwood ➡️ baseball diamond
Welcome to Wrigley Field, Zach Edey! pic.twitter.com/EWjCylbYI8
5 NBA Teams to Watch Right Now
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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