MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The highly anticipated return of Memphis rookie center Zach Edey has hit a temporary setback, as he continues to recover from his injured left ankle, which he tested on Wednesday. This delay is crucial as the Grizzlies are eager to reintegrate him into their lineup, where his skills can significantly impact their performance in the ongoing season.

Edey, renowned for being a two-time collegiate player of the year during his time at Purdue, sustained this unfortunate injury on November 17 during a victorious game against Denver. Missing his ninth game, he is currently sidelined from the upcoming matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night, a situation that fans and teammates alike are keenly aware of as they await his return.

Earlier in the week, there were promising signs indicating that Edey was nearing his comeback. He was assigned to the Memphis Hustle, the G League affiliate of the Grizzlies, to undergo workouts and regain his conditioning. This strategic move was seen as a positive step in his recovery process, allowing him to shake off the rust and prepare for a return to competitive play.

“He was with the Hustle on Wednesday, going through workouts and testing the ankle. However, we just weren’t comfortable with his current state,” commented Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins before the game on Thursday. “Therefore, we’ll take a cautious approach and gradually progress him over the next couple of weeks to ensure he is fully ready for a return to action.”

Drafted as the ninth pick in the previous summer’s NBA draft, Edey has been making his mark in the league. He is currently averaging an impressive 11.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential as a significant contributor to the Grizzlies’ success. Having played in 14 games this season and starting in nine, his presence on the court is missed as the team navigates through this critical phase of the season.