Analysis: Why are the Grizzlies likely to conduct a major experiment during the offseason?

The Grizzlies may hear some complaints after the trade, but Zach Eddie's injury may end the experiment soon.

When the Memphis Grizzlies selected now-surgent Zach Eddie in the 2024 NBA Draft, it was a bold, team-changing move that could potentially create a team centered on Ja Morant's speed and Jaren Jackson Jr.'s comprehensiveness. After a pretty successful season, it would be perfectly reasonable to ask the Grizzlies to be patient with the often injured 7-foot-4 talented player. However, with Eddie (ankle) currently missing for six to eight months, executive vice president and general manager Zach Kleiman faces a difficult choice: to be patient with the 23-year-old traditional center in a league that is increasingly marginalized, or to choose Eddie as the team’s center while his value is still relatively high?

Furthermore, some people think that Eddie's old-school, dominant style can complement the strong core of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson II, which is undoubtedly a huge and precarious risk for Kleiman and new head coach Thomas Isalo. Admittedly, for a rookie, the traditional inside player's statistics are already quite outstanding. Although Eddie's usage rate dropped to 12.6% after changing coaches at the end of the season, his off-ball contribution and rebounding statistics soared.

However, this may be just an isolated case. What Memphis is more concerned about now is how much Eddie can grow under the leadership of Morant and Jackson Jr. Isalo's offensive style, which is centered on the back, focuses on speed and space, and likes shooting, may not be suitable for this best rookie first-team player in the long run. Just look at his sluggish performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs.

Lotto Rookie was traded after playing for one season. Shea Gilgers-Alexander, Noah Vonley and Derek Ferworth are just a few examples. Other young players who were traded also eclipsed a few years later. Because of this, the Grizzlies must treat this offseason with an open mind, considering sunk costs and opportunity costs. Choosing Eddie is a worthwhile attempt, but there are reasons and precedents that it is better to be early than late.

First of all, playing time is the most important ability. Eddie's new injury will only exacerbate an increasingly worrying issue. The Canadian international will miss another critical offseason development opportunity, which means Eddie will lose two full summers of growth opportunities by the time he returns. This is a major red flag for a player whose potential is already controversial.

His ankle problems have been plaguing him, dating back to the summer league last July. Eddie suffered from calves, ankles and concussions on the eve of New Year's Eve of the rookie season. Ankle problems reappeared in March and April. Isalo's system is built on the back tactics of speed, space and aggressive offense. These ideas are incompatible with Eddie's dull, heavy-back style of playing, especially when he's in trouble for half the time. The Grizzlies' decision to sign Morant and Jackson Jr. requires an inside player who is more flexible, more capable of switching defenses and opening up space, which is not surprising in some circles in the league.

Finally, the money issue is crucial. The impact of the salary cap and luxury tax may require Eddie’s contract to be included in a larger contract. The Grizzlies have enough internal information to make an evaluation of the "final product". Rebuilding teams like the Utah Jazz or the Washington Wizards with new leadership will have room for low-risk, high-reward bets on Eddie's future. With his figure and rebounding ability alone, he's enough to make him a useful rotation player at the end of another tank position next season. With no imminent playoff pressure, they can wait for him to grow.

Given the depth of the Grizzlies' lineup, they can't do it. The combination of these factors makes the Grizzlies should at least explore the market by looking for players around. While Eddie won’t be the core of a superstar’s heavy deal, he may be attractive as a young, high-potential and well-controlled player to join the deal. The Grizzlies may trade Laurie Markanen, whose open space and athleticism fit perfectly with Isalo's goal. Eddie's addition with draft players may help balance the trade ratio without reducing the main value.

So, will Eddie really be a barrier to trading future Hall of Fame players like Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo? What about a former All-Star player like Markkanen? Perhaps not, it depends on other future draft players included in the deal. Herb Jones, Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges or Dorian Finney-Smith? Even if they disagree with Clayman's plan, fans who have fallen in love with Eddie should be able to understand how difficult this is. The Grizzlies tried a weird player, but the experiment might be coming to an end. Kleiman's injuries, uncertainty in long-term contracts and financial flexibility brought by the deal gave him enough reason to leave. Don't be surprised if there is a real star to choose from during the offseason, Zach Eddie will be traded out too.