NBA Draft: Zach Edey Could Provide Size in Second Round For Thunder

Purdue’s Zach Edey has had a breakout season this year at Purdue and could be a potential suitor for OKC’s second round pick.

If there has been one consistent need for Oklahoma City in the past few seasons it has been size and depth in the paint.

Oklahoma City drafted Jaylin Williams and Chet Holmgren in last year’s draft, but continues to seek more true center depth. This season’s draft is more guard and forward heavy in the first round, but for the Thunder’s second round pick they could see themselves in position to draft one of the biggest players in the prospect pool.

The Big 10 Player of the Year Zach Edey is projected to be drafted around where OKC would currently select in the second round of this year’s draft. Edey is 7-foot-4 and is the undeniable leader of the current Purdue team. Edey led Purdue to a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament behind his elite scoring and rebounding abilities.

Edey is sixth in the country in scoring 22.3 points per game and third in the nation in rebounding with 12.8 per game. His size speaks for himself; he towers over other competitors and uses his nearly 300 pound frame to overpower other centers and control the rim.

When Edey first enrolled at Purdue he was a typical oversized player who struggled at times to play to his potential, but over time he has filled into his frame and continued to improve each of his three seasons with the Boilermakers.

OKC’s roster is loaded and full, but room can always be made. No matter the outcome of the draft whoever the Thunder select, especially in the second round, will have to fight for their spot on the roster and will likely see a large chunk of time in the G League.

Draft analysts, fans and the Thunder will likely have their final chance to watch Edey in college when the Boilermakers begin their March Madness run. The pressure on Edey won’t get higher than as a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Now is the time he can boost his stock and impress NBA teams. 

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