The 2024 NBA Draft begins tonight, with the first round, the draft’s first 30 picks.
It might be the most unpredictable draft in years, which is also a polite way of saying a particularly lackluster field with little near-certain starpower.
One veritable certainty at this point: Purdue’s Zach Edey will achieve his goal of being a first-round pick and getting the guaranteed contract and presumably the early playing opportunities that come with it.
Where he’ll be picked, there’s no consensus, but there are a few franchises from Pick 7 on that might make sense.
A look at some of those who’d add up.
More: Zach Edey as NBA prospect
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (PICK 9)
The Grizzlies are in the Lottery but have a core in place to compete, with guard Ja Morant, big man Jaren Jackson Jr. and wing Desmond Bane. Getting a big, physical, ready-made center to put alongside Jackson at times might be worth a go, after the team parted ways with Steven Adams a year ago.
Memphis could be active trading up — in which case Donovan Clingan could be in play — or down, in which case Edey could be a possibility a few picks later.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (12)
After years of hoarding draft assets, OKC is ready to roll.
Sam Presti is known for making intelligent, thoroughly vetted picks, but also never revealing his intentions.
Edey would make a lot of sense as a complementary piece to franchise building block Chet Holmgren, who can play on the perimeter on offense and really block shots on D. Edey’s physical presence could theoretically balance out Holmgren’s narrow physique and take some of the physical burden off a player the Thunder need to keep healthy.
There’s a built-in tie here, too: Edey has been a Canadian National Team teammate of Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the top players in the NBA.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS (17)
The Lakers are getting real old real fast, but may have one last run in them, a run that would fizzle out real quick if Anthony Davis can’t stay healthy. In theory, acquiring a traditional center to log minutes at the 5 could allow Davis to play more away from the basket and not endure as much wear and tear.
NEW YORK KNICKS (24 and 25)
The Knicks are rolling right now, striking a major blow on the eve of the draft by acquiring Mikal Bridges to join a team that was ravaged by injury in the Playoffs.
With center Isaiah Hartenstein hitting free agency, Edey could make sense, if he lasts this long.
Edey, though, didn’t go to Villanova like every other Knick.
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS (7)
This would be the high end of the range of possibilities for Edey, but the Blazers are in rebuild mode, DeAndre Ayton‘s contract can’t possibly be part of their plans long-term, and a big rebounder and screen-setter could be appealing to put with Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons.
BOSTON CELTICS (30)
Edey likely won’t last this long, but Edey is a Brad Stevens sort of guy. Kristaps Porzingis‘ health is always going to be a concern and Al Horford isn’t getting any younger. The Celtics don’t even really need this pick, so this might not be the greatest opportunity for Edey to play right away, but you never know.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS (4 and 8)
Another of the smartest organizations in the NBA, the Spurs have a directional crossroads to face here, whether to keep building or go for it now while on Victor Wembanyama’s rookie contract. The young core around the generational 2023 rookie is solid, but may not be complete yet.
Would a massive center like Edey to put next to Wembanyama be appealing at 8 (or in a trade-down scenario)?
MIAMI HEAT (15)
One of the more role-minded and open-minded organizations out there, maybe Miami sees value having a massive center to play with or spell Bam Adebayo.
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