With the 7th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, The Portland Trailblazers select. . .

Yup, and Shaq was an insane athlete for his size. He could play during any era of the NBA. Yao was so extremely skilled. But he barely even played 10 years. I'm not sure if Edey and Yao compare well enough, but I'd say that Yao would not have the same level of hype if he had been in this draft.

 

What about Shaq when he was older and 320? He was still a very good player. He didn't guard the perimeter or shoot outside.

Edey is very skilled too. There have been other very large players in college and international basketball, but a very small % of them put up the numbers Edey did.

 

Would he have been drafted in the high lottery as the old fat version of himself? How old and how fat? Again, you're talking about one of the most dominant big men in the history of the game. Are you really comparing Edey to that?

 

He was reportedly 380 pounds in 2002, and still averaged 27+ on near 60% shooting. Of course he'd be a lotto pick.

People act like Edey is Tacko Fall. Tacko played for some rinky dink college and put up 11 points.

 

You didn't give any timeframe to your statement. And again, Shaq is one of the most dominant big men in the history of the game. He is the exception, not the rule.

 

One thing I will say (as a Purdue fan), they had one of the toughest schedules in college basketball.

 

Zach Edey (Purdue) had the toughest SOS of any of the top NCAA players.

I’d be a bit surprised if the Blazers picked Edey at #7, but heck, it might also be the swing-for-the fences type of pick the Blazers need.

 

If the Blazer take Edey at #14, I'm okay with that. At #7, and the "Rant" thread will get multiple visits.

 

Then why don't you make us a list of who you're talking about: Ewing, Moses Malone, McHale?

You used the argument that Edey is irrelevant in the modern age, so I am checking you to see if you really would pass on these hall of fame players just because they have skills that were apparently stopped being relevant in the 90s.

Last time I checked, you still get 2 points when the ball goes through the hoop, no matter how its done.

 

There are a lot of wings and guards in the draft, but only 1 dominant center, aside from Sarr who is out of reach.

 

No one is out of reach in this draft.

 

Edey most recent comparison isn't Shaq/Yao lol. It's another 2 time college player of the year center.... Luka Garza. Will Edey have similar success?

 

One guy has 86 halfcourt dunks his senior year and takes a team of non-top-100 recruits to the NCAA finals. The other had 8 halfcourt dunks.

But, again, let's not let accuracy get in the way of a bad edgy hot take.

 

More Zachsanity: Luka Garza is 6'10.

 

I'm totally sold on Edey at 14 if he is still there. I have absolutely no idea if he will be but if that opportunity comes and they take it I'm fine with it. Honestly I just don't know any player will turn out this year. Take a gamble on a great player? Why not at this point?

 

Also, FWIW, Garza's offense did translate to the NBA. He doesn't play much, but his very productive and efficient offensively when he does play.

People seem to be forgetting that Edey has an 8 foot wingspan and a 9'7 standing reach. And he's just as "mobile" as Clingan, who some think is a defensive juggernaught...