Hot Takes on Grizzlies’ Zach Edey vs. Jazz’s Kyle Filipowski
Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJuly 9, 2024
Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images
Two college stars made their NBA summer league debuts on Monday as reigning two-time player of the year Zach Edey and second-team All-American Kyle Filipowski took the court for the Memphis Grizzles and Utah Jazz, respectively, in Utah’s 97-95 overtime win.
Edey excelled on both ends, posting 14 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks and the game-tying tip-in off a missed free throw to tie the game at 90, a bucket that got Grizzlies star Ja Morant’s attention.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportZACH EDEY TIP-IN TO FORCE OT 🤯
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/MNMOY3F3mt
Ja Morant @JaMorantayeeeeeee zach 😂💪🏾
Donovan Mitchell @spidadmitchellI can’t believe that worked 😂😂 #NBASummerLeague
Edey was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end, during a block into a bucket on the other end.
Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizzYEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH#HotGrizzSummer pic.twitter.com/byaqMquZFe
He also showed some mobility in running down the floor to finish a transition bucket following a GG Jackson dish.
Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizzRUN THE FLOOR BIG DAWG 🗣️@_ggjackson x @zach_edey pic.twitter.com/8NID1Sh2Re
And his size, understandably, was a problem down low.
Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizzbig dude pic.twitter.com/wbqUVV5wEn
Memphis Grizzlies @memgrizzYESSSSSSSSSSURRRRRRR @zach_edey https://t.co/zMgSmaKf2z pic.twitter.com/LaZeSNZrqP
Edey got rave reviews for his work.
Greg Waddell @gwizzy12Quintessential Zach Edey game:
– foul fest
– poster dunk
– unstoppable post hook
– sneaky chippy tech defending a teammate
– one bad play that gives the critics fuel before they look stupid (the missed dunk)
– Edey doing some shit you never see (tip in)
– automatic double double
Jackson Frank @jackfrank_jjfBasically every Edey screen has forced the defense into rotation and created a quality shot
vague skies @galacticdadEdey stuffing 87 shots in the first quarter and screening defenders into another dimension pic.twitter.com/DjsMXgpdwZ
J @Jbeezy__Zach edey steal of the draft … Memphis got one Again
Rick Noland MG/CT @RickNolandZach Edey moment
Alex Nam @strawhatnamYeah Zach Edey will be just fine in the league
Wes @bloghawkZach Edey discourse pic.twitter.com/DLb2vvZaiE
Filipowski had a tough opening night, going scoreless in 16 minutes (0-of-4 on three-pointers) while grabbing four rebounds. Some fans pointed out his rough showing (which should be taken with a grain of salt given that it’s Day 1 of summer league), while others pointed out bright spots.
Sed @sed_j_@ThatDudeGill filipowski out of place on the court
Justin @JustinAldrich_Filipowski looks terrible out there. Just running straight to the corner every time down and standing there the whole possession
Nightcrawler and Boilermaker Stan @Holmes_y_RailsMy biggest takeaway from this game so far: Filipowski ain’t built for this, getting bullied all game.
Tyler @jazzfan14Filipowski is nice too! His passing is awesome and he plays so smooth!
Josh Roberts 🇵🇾 @jayjazz3I’ll admit… Filipowski has looked decent.
Spence K @SpencerKeeleKyle Filipowski reminds me of Him🙏
✔️passing✔️shooting
✔️versatility✔️big pic.twitter.com/HxViCPoF4p
Edey and the Grizzlies are back Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET against the Philadelphia 76ers. Utah will play the Oklahoma City Thunder at 9 p.m.
