There is a growing sentiment among NBA draft experts that Zach Edey could be a late lottery pick in the 2024 draft. Jeremy Woo of ESPN stated on May 22nd that he is projecting that the Portland Trail Blazers will select him with the 14th pick.
“Edey’s incredible productivity and size profile makes him a unique option for teams looking to develop a big in this part of the draft. While it’s probable he winds up as more of a situational role player in an NBA context due to his defensive limitations, it’s also hard to totally rule out the type of impact he could still have as a play-finisher and screener. With two lottery picks and a collection of young perimeter players on the roster, Portland could stand to experiment here and shore up its depth behind DeAndre Ayton, considering Robert Williams III’s struggles to stay healthy. — Woo”
The skill set of Zach Edey
Although Zach Edey may need some time to adjust to the NBA, there are better teams than Portland for him. He is most effective when he is close to the basket during offensive possessions. He led the NCAA in post-scoring during the 2023-24 season, averaging 14.3 points per game.
Edey complimented his post play by excelling as a roll man. According to Bleacher Report, he shot 82.2% as a roll man.
“He shot 82.2 percent on rolls to the basket, picked up 56 putbacks and converted an incredible 32-of-36 cuts, per Synergy Sports. Once Edey has position and the ball inside, he’s almost automatic”.
Portland Trail Blazers
Unfortunately, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has not featured post-ups/pick-and-rolls in his offense over the last three seasons. Portland runs a post-up on 3.6% of its offensive possessions, averaging 3.6 per game, and is 20th in the league.
As a result, Edey might get fewer chances to showcase his best attributes in Portland. Edey would thrive under a coach with a proven track record featuring the post-up. One team in the NBA draft who aligns with this criteria is the Chicago Bulls.
Billy Donovan
Chicago’s head coach, Billy Donovan, has run a post-up 6.3% of the time since 2015, averaging 7 per game, ranking in the top ten in the league. Billy Donovan also has experience showcasing Zach Edey’s second-best attribute. Chicago has been in the top 5 in roll-man possessions since 2020, averaging 8.5 per game.
In conclusion, Billy Donovan would be the best NBA coach for Zach Edey as Donovan’s offense gives him the best shot at immediate success in the NBA.
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