Second-year center Zach Edey will undergo left ankle surgery, the Grizzlies announced in a press release (Twitter link). According to the team, the procedure will “resolve ongoing discomfort and talar bone stress” in Edey’s left ankle.
The 23-year-old big man underwent left ankle surgery last June to address laxity in and re-stabilize the lateral ankle joint. Memphis consulted with several medical experts who unanimously agreed that Edey’s lateral ligaments are stable, but he continues to experience pain because of “progressive laxity of the deltoid (medial) ligaments.”
Edey’s latest left ankle surgery is being performed to “reinforce the medial ligament complex and accelerate bone healing,” per the Grizzlies.
2025/26 has been a season to forget for Edey, who played very well when active but has been limited to just 11 games played. Across those 11 outings, Edey averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 25.8 minutes per game.
More notable than those stats were his on/off-court numbers — the Grizzlies outscored opponents by 18.3 points per 100 possessions and posted a defensive rating of 94.5 during Edey’s 284 minutes on the court.
The 23-year-old was a two-time AP Player of the Year at Purdue prior to being selected ninth overall in the 2024 draft. Edey’s season debut was delayed until Nov. 15 as he recovered from his initial surgery, then was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left ankle less than a month later.
While the Grizzlies said a return timeline will be provided post-surgery, it seems safe to assume Edey won’t play again this season. The 7’3″ Canadian is expected to make a full recovery, the team added.
Memphis also provided an injury update on Brandon Clarke, who has been out since Dec. 20 due to a Grade 2 right calf strain. The veteran forward/center, who has been plagued by a injuries the past few years, will be out at least two more weeks, which is the next time he’ll be reevaluated.
The 29-year-old underwent an arthroscopic procedure in September to address synovitis in his right knee after having his 2024/25 season cut short due to a PCL sprain in that same knee. Clarke sustained the calf strain in his second game of the ’25/26 season.
He also suffered an Achilles tear in March 2023, which ended his ’22/23 campaign prematurely and limited him to just six outings in ’23/24.
Edey can never stay healthy. Gets worse and worse
He stayed healthy for all 4 years of college. He missed one game due to illness.
He also played 66 games last season, mostly missing a 12-game stretch in Nov/Dec.
He’s not injury prone like say, Joel Embiid. The Grizz will obviously be cautious with him and prioritize his long-term health.
College really doesn’t put the stress on your body like the NBA – fewer games, fewer elite athletes. Big Country Reeves looked great in college as well.
When big guys have problems with their knees and feet, it usually makes for a short career – DeMarcus, Embiid, Yao, Bill Walton – it’s a long list.
We also have guys like Zydrunas Ilguaskas and Rik Smits and Shawn Bradley who had long careers.
My point is Edey’s track record doesn’t suggest he “never stays healthy”. This is the first road block he’s hit.
DeMarcus tore his Achilles at Age 29 and would have played longer than 11 years if he weren’t a locker room headache.
Edey’s feet are a far cry from being Yao or Walton at this point.
Unfortunately 7’3 is abnormally large for a human, and when you ask that body to do basketball stuff too much, they break…
Yep he is 7’3 and carrying a lot of weight. He was fine in college they play less than half the NBA games. Slower tempos and zones so less movement. He is now in a faster league and they will try to switch for him in pnr.
But yeah big guys like that is only a manner of time. Probably why many want to propel Wemby to the top. The moment he gets some foot, ankle, or leg injury it would be tough to be the same. Eaton seems to be the only durable giant but he was only asked to defend not a scorer.
Still remember him absolutely dominating, not really hard to do, the Kings early in the season.
Dude looked like a college player playing against elementary kids….
Right now Grizz are top 8 in draft. I guess they want to stay there. Boozer will be gone by then. Unless they trade up for him. Another 4 or 1 will be there for them 6-10. Most likely a PG -SG.
Tank tank tank….they get bonuses for surgery right now
Ankle injuries and knee injuries are never good for anyone over 7 feet tall.