2024 NBA Draft: Uncertainty Surround Zach Edey

With the 2024 NBA draft on the horizon, uncertainty and a lack of a clear top pick hang over the event. In contrast to past drafts featuring standout prospects such as Zion Williamson in 2019 or Victor Wembanyama in 2023, the upcoming draft lacks a clear top pick, sparking uncertainty about how the lottery and first round will play out.

Zach Edey’s College Dominance

Few of the draft prospects are as intriguing as Zach Edey. The ex-Purdue standout has an impressive record, earning national player of the year awards in back-to-back years. Even though Purdue suffered a surprising defeat to Fairleigh Dickinson in the opening round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Edey guided the Boilermakers to their first Final Four appearance since 1980 in the next season.

Physical Attributes and Draft Stock

Edey’s attractiveness is greatly enhanced by his physical presence. At 7 feet and 4 inches tall and weighing 300 pounds according to Purdue’s 2023-24 roster, he stood as the tallest participant at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, measuring 7 feet and 3 3/4 inches without footwear. His 7-foot and 10 3/4-inch wingspan was the greatest among combined players, showcasing his capability to excel in defense and rebounding in the NBA.

Mock Draft Projections

Edey’s draft stock varies widely among mock drafts, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding this year’s selections.

Here are some notable projections:

• USA TODAY: No. 19 overall to Toronto Raptors

• The Athletic: No. 21 overall to New Orleans Pelicans

• Bleacher Report: No. 17 overall to Los Angeles Lakers

• SB Nation: No. 19 overall to Toronto Raptors

• Yahoo Sports: No. 25 overall to New York Knicks

• The Ringer: No. 12 overall to Oklahoma City Thunder

• CBS Sports: No. 21 overall to New Orleans Pelicans

• NBADraft.net: No. 21 overall to New Orleans Pelicans

• No Ceilings: No. 22 overall to Phoenix Suns

• Detroit Free Press: No. 22 overall to Phoenix Suns

• Memphis Commercial Appeal: No. 19 overall to Toronto Raptors

Edey is projected to be drafted within the range of No. 12 to No. 25, with most experts agreeing on somewhere in the middle of the first round. Multiple mock drafts, such as ones from USA TODAY and SB Nation, project him to be selected No. 19 by the Toronto Raptors, a return to his hometown for the Toronto native.

Zach Edey’s intriguing potential in the 2024 NBA draft stems from his rare mix of size and talent. He is predicted to be chosen in the mid-to-late first round, although there is disagreement on his specific draft ranking. His potential influence in the NBA, especially with his skills on defense and rebounding, could be a valuable advantage for any team that chooses him. As the draft approaches, the curiosity surrounding Edey’s future grows, solidifying his status as a player worth keeping an eye on.