With the NBA Draft just days away, many who follow Purdue and the Big Ten Conference as a whole are waiting and watching for where Purdue basketball star Zach Edey will end up. The Draft will take place June 26 and 27, and Edey is a favorite among the college players looking to make a leap to the NBA. So, where will Zach Edey land in the NBA Draft? It’s looking better for him now than it did a few weeks ago. So, let’s get into where Purdue’s Zach Edey will land in the NBA Draft.
Speculation on Where Purdue’s Zach Edey Will Land in the NBA Draft
As someone who covers the Big Ten Conference, I’ve watched Edey for several years. I’m happy to see that he’s moving up in NBA mock drafts as we move closer to the actual NBA Draft. So, he will likely be selected earlier than originally expected. Now, there’s more speculation on where Purdue’s Zach Edey will land in the NBA Draft.
Some NBA experts are guessing that Edey might end up with the New York Knicks, which would be a great place for him, since the Knicks have been doing so well. They got super close to making it to the NBA Finals this year. As Yahoo! Sports notes, “If the Knicks are looking for a high-risk, high-reward swing, who better than the most decorated player of this draft class.” They also say, “Edey stands 7-foot-4 and 300 pounds with a soft touch to go along with his historically imposing frame.”
Other NBA experts are guessing that Edey might end up with the Miami Heat. According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givoney (via Allucanheat.com), Edey is “in the conversation” to join the Miami Heat at the 15th pick.
Another outlet, CBSSports.com, says the Los Angeles Lakers could pick him up. They state, “Edey is arguably the most polarizing player in this class because of how varied his draft range is.” They add, “Edey could serve as the Lakers’ backup center to Anthony Davis or play next to him while holding down the paint.”
Now, here’s a really wacky but intriguing one. Libertyballers.com believes the Philadelphia 76ers could pick Edey as a backup to Joel Embiid. That’s something nobody saw coming, but it makes sense. They need a good backup to Embiid, and Edey could serve in that role.
The first round of the NBA Draft 2024 will air on ABC and ESPN live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The second round of the NBA Draft will air on ESPN and the ESPN App from ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in New York.
Also, if you’re wondering if Edey will be at the draft, he won’t. The NBA reportedly handed out invitations to select players to be at the NBA Draft and watch in the green room. But, Edey said no and will be staying at home to watch the draft with his family and friends, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. “NEWS: Purdue center Zach Edey was being invited to attend the NBA Draft, a source told ESPN, but has elected to decline and watch the draft with his teammates, coaches and family at Purdue instead,” Givony says.