Zach Edey’s dominant rookie season has taken “Gil’s Arena” by storm, but not everyone is ready to crown the Memphis Grizzlies’ 22-year-old big man as the NBA’s next superstar. On a recent episode of ‘Gil’s Arena’, Gilbert Arenas sparked a heated debate after questioning whether Edey’s performance, while impressive, is enough for a player of his age. Despite being the ninth overall pick and a two-time college player of the year, Arenas feels that Edey should be doing more at 22, especially when compared to younger rookies who are still developing.
Edey’s current stats—averaging 11 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in just 20 minutes—show promise, and his per-36 minute projections suggest he could be posting around 20 points and 12 rebounds. However, some *Gil’s Arena* panelists argue that his limited minutes and role as a third or fourth option should be considered when evaluating his performance.
One of Edey’s standout achievements so far has been his historic 20-10 game against the Brooklyn Nets, where he shot 90% from the field, tallying 25 points and 12 rebounds. This remarkable feat has further fueled the debate about whether his age should work in his favor or against him when discussing his potential.
Another point of contention is Edey’s draft position. Many analysts questioned why teams passed on the two-time college player of the year in favor of younger players with less collegiate experience. The discussion highlighted how team needs and age potential played a key role in draft decisions.
The conversation also delved into the differences in opportunities for various positions—particularly how guards and centers experience different levels of production based on ball possession and team offensive schemes.
