Although the Milwaukee Bucks weren’t fortunate to land high picks in the lottery, they still boast two of them in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. If things go according to plan, the front office can consider Purdue Boilermakers big man Zach Edey.
Born in Canada, Edey first entered the scene when he moved to Florida to play for IMG Academy in High School. He would later on choose to play for Purdue over other programs, such as Santa Clara and Baylor.
While his first year playing for Purdue didn’t really stand out, the 7’4″ big man gradually evolved throughout the years to be a massive force on the court. By his final season, Edey averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks in the 39 games he played in the Big Ten. He also connected 62 percent of his shots from the field and 71 percent from the free throw line.
Edey eventually led the Boilermakers throughout March Madness and won over all the teams they faced until the championship round. In that game, Purdue met the UConn Huskies, but lost to them with a score of 75-60. While his teammates didn’t make much of an impact that contest, Edey posted 37 points and 10 rebounds for his team.
Purdue Boilermakers’ Zach Edey Projected as Milwaukee Bucks NBA Draft Target
After a stellar college career, Edey is set to make the jump to the NBA. In an article by William Moxon for Behind the Buck Pass, the Purdue star is projected to be one of the Bucks’ targets in the 2024 NBA Draft.
“In 39 games for the Boilermakers, Edey averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks on 62.3 percent shooting from the field. Milwaukee’s rebounding was solid all season with Giannis, Lopez and Portis all being good on the glass, Edey’s size can add to that, and his ability to score inside is some of the best in the draft.
The concerns regarding Edey are he is yet to develop a shot from long-range, so his fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo would really constrict the paint. Recent footage has shown him taking shots from deep in practice, but that happens with lots of players,” Moxon wrote.
Having Edey in the lineup will definitely elevate the Bucks’ interior defense and gives them another option big to set screens. On the other hand, a non-shooting big might be detrimental for Milwaukee, a team that ranked 11th in the league when it comes to three-point percentage.
If Edey can show flashes of becoming a modern center, there’s a pretty good chance he can rise through the ranks and become a valued member of any organization that drafts him. In any case, the Purdue big man is an intriguing option for the Bucks to consider.
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