The Miami Heat have never been afraid to take risks.
They’ve made a living out of taking players other teams overlook or simply don’t want, and they turn them into legitimate rotational players on a playoff-caliber team.
Notably, that could’ve been the case with Zach Edey.
Edey, despite having an outstanding career in college, was a polarizing prospect for the most part.
Not many scouts liked his chances of being playable at the next level, as his long frame and seemingly slow feet could have made him a liability on the perimeter.
The Memphis Grizzlies didn’t seem to mind.
They needed a big man and not much more, so they took him at No. 9, knowing that this was one of the weakest draft classes ever.
Fast forward to today, and Alonzo Mourning revealed that the Heat would’ve loved to have him.
Talking to Shaquille O’Neal on his podcast, he claimed that Edey had a great workout with them (via NBA Central).
Alonzo Mourning reveals that the Miami Heat really loved Zach Edey during the draft process
(? @bigpodwithshaq / https://t.co/7ktwCCS9gO) pic.twitter.com/oePFumTJwD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 22, 2024
He stated that he loves his determination to get better, not to mention the fact that he’s aggressive and goes to the rim rather than just taking jumpers and threes.
The Heat legend predicted that, barring injury, Edey would have a great career in the pros.
One might argue that Edey wasn’t the kind of player who would’ve gone No. 9 in most classes, but the Grizzlies could afford to make that move.
As for the Heat, they went with fellow big man Kel’el Ware at No. 15 instead.
NEXT: Draymond Green Sends 2-Word Message To Grizzlies Coach After Zach Edey Incident
