The Memphis Grizzlies announced on December 27, 2023, that center Zach Edey will be sidelined for another six weeks due to a stress reaction in his left ankle. Edey has not played since December 7, 2023, and his extended recovery time raises concerns about his return this season.
In a statement, the Grizzlies confirmed that Edey will adhere to a treatment plan focusing on offloading and rehabilitation. The organization plans to reevaluate his condition in approximately six weeks. This decision follows the unanimous recommendations of consulting experts regarding his recovery process.
While Edey’s future remains uncertain, teammates Brandon Clarke and Scotty Pippen Jr. are expected to return to action within four to six weeks. Clarke suffered a right calf strain during a game against Washington on December 20, while Pippen underwent a procedure on his toe on October 21.
Edey, who stands at an impressive 7 feet 3 inches, was awarded the Associated Press National Player of the Year title twice during his time at Purdue University. His rookie season was marred by injury, as he missed 12 games due to a sprained left ankle but still managed to play in 66 games. Following the season, he had surgery on the same ankle in June after being selected for the All-Rookie first team.
The Grizzlies are currently on a two-game European road trip, with their next matchup against the Orlando Magic scheduled for Thursday in Berlin. Edey made his season debut on November 15, 2023, and has averaged 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game this season.
On December 11, the team announced that Edey had sustained a stress reaction in his ankle, with expectations for a full recovery. As the Grizzlies navigate these challenges, the focus remains on Edey’s health and the team’s overall performance in a competitive season.
