Memphis Grizzlies center is in Las Vegas this week to cheer on his teammates at the NBA Summer League, but he’s still wearing a walking boot following surgery on his left ankle last month. Although he says he’s feeling better, Edey remains a few months away from returning to full basketball activity.
Edey, who won National Player of the Year honors twice during his college career at Purdue, underwent ankle surgery in early June. Five weeks into recovery, he’s making progress but could be sidelined for three to four more months—potentially missing the start of the 2025-26 season.
“There’s no firm return date right now,” Edey told Purdue Boilermakers on SI before the Grizzlies’ Summer League matchup with the Celtics. “I’m focused on rehab and putting in the work. The surgery was necessary; my ankle’s been bothering me for a while, and I’m hopeful it’ll be a lot stronger once I’m back.”
Selected ninth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Edey had a strong rookie campaign for Memphis, playing in 66 games with 55 starts. He averaged 9.2 points and 8.3 rebounds as the Grizzlies went 48-34, made the playoffs through the Play-In Tournament, and were eliminated in the first round by eventual champions Oklahoma City.
Edey revealed that his left ankle had been a lingering issue for years, frequently sprained and unstable, making the surgery an important long-term fix.
“They were pleased with how the operation went,” Edey said. “Now it’s just about staying patient and doing the work to get healthy.”
Sporting a beard and a walking boot, Edey spent time before the game signing autographs for young fans.