Zach Edey injury, ankle surgery, return to Grizzlies, NBA stats

Zach Edey was fifth in NBA Rookie of the Year voting in his first season with the Memphis Grizzlies, in which he became a starter.Edey was two-time national player of the year and led the country in rebounding during his four-year Purdue career.Edey admitted to speeding in an apparent return to Purdue in May.

Former Purdue basketball star Zach Edey likely won’t be ready to start his sophomore NBA season with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Edey, 23, re-sprained his left ankle during an offseason workout which required surgery. He underwent the procedure June 7, and the Grizzlies announced Friday that Edey is expected to be out for six to nine weeks. Though he was cleared to return to basketball activities.

His rookie season included being a part of NBA All-Star weekend, winning the Rising Stars championship and led him to playing in the All-Star Game. His team lost to Team Shaq 42-25, and Edey had two points, two offensive rebounds and an assist. During the Rising Stars title, Edey had two points and two offensive rebounds. His semifinal performance featured four points, two rebounds and an assist.

It was part of a standout rookie season for Edey. The 7-foot-4 center played 66 games, starting 55, and averaged 9.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while converting 58% of field goal attempts. He finished fifth in NBA Rookie of the Year voting.

Edey was a two-time national player of the year for the Boilermakers, and led the country in rebounding in both of those seasons. Helped Purdue reach the Final Four in 2024.

However, Edey was in the news for something other than basketball this summer when he returned to Indiana.

Former Purdue basketball star Zach Edey admits to speeding

Police said they stopped Edey on May 1 after he, while driving north on Indiana 25 in southern Tippecanoe County, passed a southbound Indiana State Police trooper at 7:03 p.m. and was going 101 mph in a 55 mph zone, according to a probable cause affidavit.

When the trooper caught up to the speeding car, Edey turned eastbound on Tippecanoe County Road 700 South and stopped. He said he was trying to pass a vehicle as an explanation for speeding.

How much money Zach Edey paid for speeding fine in Indiana

In admitting to driving in excess of 91 mph in a 55 mph zone, Edey agreed to pay a fee of $500 plus $139.50 in court costs, according to court records. His plea agreement July 23 led to the state dropping a reckless driving charge, a Class C misdemeanor, which changed the case from criminal to a civil infraction case.