Memphis Grizzlies fans received tough news Saturday, as Zach Edey reportedly will not be available to start the 2025-26 NBA season. The Grizzlies had banked on the rookie center to hold down the fort in their frontcourt this season. While they reached the playoffs, they were eliminated in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder in a one-sided series.
Although Edey has already proven himself to be a valuable asset to the Grizzlies, his height of well over seven feet has caused numerous issues. In a recent report, senior NBA Insider Shams Charania shared a confusing and heartbreaking update on Edey’s health and potential return.
Zach Edey Is Expected To Miss the Start of Next Season Due to an Ankle Sprain
While Edey might have been with the Grizzlies for just one season and has a long way to go in terms of development, the fact remains that losing a young player nearly averaging a double-double is a serious matter.
According to Charania, Edey sustained another ankle injury and is expected to undergo surgery in an attempt to address this issue.
The All-Rookie center re-sprained his left ankle in an offseason workout this week and will deal with surgery to re-stabilize the ankle. Edey will likely miss the beginning of the 2025-26 NBA season.
ESPN reporting: Memphis Grizzlies All-Rookie center Zach Edey re-sprained his left ankle in an offseason workout this week and will undergo surgery to re-stabilize the ankle. Edey will likely miss the beginning of the 2025-26 NBA season. pic.twitter.com/v1jDJ4TU2g
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 7, 2025
Charania also quoted other reputable sources to support his breaking news on Edey and his current situation with the Grizzlies. The NBA Insider revealed that Edey’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, further verified his suspicion.
“After consulting with the Grizzlies and multiple specialists, we decided this is the best approach for Zach long-term as it gets him back to 100% with no limitations,” Bartelstein said. “He will make a full recovery and be back better than ever.”
Upon hearing that Edey was suffering from an injured ankle and now requires surgery, fans took to social media in an attempt to get their suspicions out in the open. This makes sense, given that most ankle injuries do not require any significant surgery or healing process. That also led many to believe that it might just be broken and needs surgery to ensure perfect alignment and recovery.
Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports told ESPN: “After consulting with the Grizzlies and multiple specialists, we decided this is the best approach for Zach long-term as it gets him back to 100% with no limitations. He will make a full recovery and be back better than ever.” https://t.co/cbDXWScA9F
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 7, 2025
Given that Edey is 7-foot-4 and towers over the majority of NBA players, one can only imagine the pressure that his feet have endured throughout the regular season. Due to the severity of his injury, Edey is not expected to make a return before the start of next season.
Since this season was highly competitive, especially towards the final stages, gaining momentum early heading into next season is important for the Grizzlies. Edey’s expected absence will force his fellow teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. to step up to the occasion and perform at a high level despite Edey’s potential lack of availability.
If the Grizzlies want to hold onto any hope of finishing this season differently when compared to the last, getting Edey back at full strength is a pressing concern that they will need to address.Fans are left wondering if Edey will play a diminished role for the Grizzlies if he is not healthy for the upcoming reason.
