NBA Legend expresses skepticism about Memphis Grizzlies centre Zach Edey's hype post the regular season
Gilbert Arenas. Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Memphis Grizzlies
centre player
Zach Edey
ended his performance in the
2025 regular season
of the
NBA
with an average of 9 points, 8 rebounds and 1 assist. The 23-year-old player has been making the headlines recently, owing to his performance that has turned heads and led to predictions of a glorious prospect for his future within the league.
However, former Grizzlies player and NBA legend Gilbert Arenas is of a different opinion, which reflects his skepticism about the predictions made by the sports analysts.
Gilbert Arenas explains his metrics to judge a rookie's achievement and capabilities, negates the player's possible development in the NBA
In a recent episode of Gil's Arena, former basketball player Gilbert Arenas opened up on his opinions about Zach Edey's ongoing speculations and future predictions by the sports analysts of the game. While experts have commented on the ability of the player despite his young age and affirmed that there is enough time for the rookie player to develop his skills, Gilbert is of a different opinion.
'A rookie is a rookie. Either you are going to be a rookie at 26 and you are going to learn in the NBA or you are gonna learn it at 19. Either way it's your first day at the job.'
Gilbert has a different set of definitions that defines the capabilities of the players within the court. While the average stat of Edey in the recent season, which stands at 9 points and 8 rebounds, is fine for a rookie player, it is not the same for someone of the young prospect's age.
'9 and 8 for a 23-year-old isn't impressive. For a rookie, yeah it is. But for a 23-year-old, that not what they are looking at.' Gilbert continued, 'You are not on the same value. Like if you look the 19-year-old, the 18-year-old, that was a second round pick, that's in front of him, had more votes than him.'
Gilbert Arenas STILL Isn't SOLD On The Zach Edey Hype
The name of Memphis Grizzlies' power forward Jaylen Wells came up, who is younger to Edey and had an average of 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
Wells was placed on a higher position than Edey on the KIA NBA All-Rookie Team voting results, even though Edey had better stats.
Gilbert defended the listicle's purpose of listing out probable star players rather than observing who put on a more solid performance throughout the season. His comparison metrics are based on the age of the player. Gilbert analyses the fact that if Edey scored an average of 9 throughout the season at the age of 23, what would be the other young athlete's score when they are at the age of 23.
Also read:
LeBron James is not a fan of Bronny and Bryce James' basketball upbringing as he recalled his own journey to become an NBA legend
Gilbert seems to be focusing more on the data and past records of rookies in the NBA. He doesn't leave much space for argument within his statements, which completely negates the fact that even though a player starts late, he always has the time to hone skills and emerge as a capable one, improving the average of oneself.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Insult To Injury For Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton; Achilles Injury Confirmation Looms
Last Updated: Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers suffered an Achilles injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Thunder, leading to a 103-91 defeat. Basketball can be cruel sometimes. It sure was for the Indiana Pacers' superstar Tyrese Haliburton, who was forced to an early injury exit in their NBA Finals Game 7 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Pacers talisman Haliburton — the pivotal figure in Indiana's run through the playoffs — was at the receiving end of a cruel joke that the NBA gods played on him, adding insult to injury literally. In the first quarter of Game 7, Haliburton was left in misery — after he tumbled to the court in a heap, when he immediately began punching the floor in frustration with what is believed to be an Achilles injuryburton got off to a strong start, scoring 9 points in 3-of-5 shooting. And it was all downhill for the Pacers since then. The 25-year-old, who had been nursing a right calf strain since last week, hobbled off the court supported by Pacers backroom staff, and was later seen on crutches following Indiana's 103-91 defeat. 'What happened with Tyrese, all of our hearts dropped," Carlisle said in a post-game press conference. 'But he will be back. I don't have any medical information about what may or may not have happened, but he'll be back in time, and I believe he'll make a full recovery." Haliburton's father earlier told ESPN his son had suffered an Achilles injury. The Pacers said Haliburton exited with a 'lower right leg injury." Carlisle, meanwhile, saluted Haliburton's role in an against-the-odds run to the brink of an NBA championship. 'He authored one of the great individual playoff runs in the history of the NBA, with dramatic play after dramatic play. It was just something that no one's ever seen."Coach Carlisle on Tyrese Haliburton's 2025 playoff run. — Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 23, 2025 'He authored one of the great individual playoff runs in the history of the NBA with dramatic play after dramatic play," Carlisle said. 'It was just something that no one's ever seen, and he did it as one of 17. You know, that's the beautiful thing about him. As great a player as he is, it's always a team thing. So, our hearts go out to him."
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Oklahoma City Thunder star Alex Caruso has plans for head coach Mark Daigneault as they win 2025 NBA Championship
Alex Caruso (Image via Zach Beeker/ Getty Images) The Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA champions for the season, and the team is no doubt busy celebrating the night. From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Jalen Williams to Alex Caruso, the champion team has quite a few star players who led the team to this victory after a successful season. But apart from the obvious, another very important member of this team is none other than their head coach, Mark Daigneault, who has been with this team for over a decade. And Caruso has some big plans for him. Alex Caruso and Mark Daigneault go way back Alex Caruso started his career with the G League team Oklahoma City Blue back in 2016 under the mentoring of none other than Mark Daigneault. Safe to say, these two have known each other for quite some time. From the exhausting G League days to this night at the Paycom Centre, as the Oklahoma City Thunder lift the championship trophy in front of all the home fans, these two have come a long way. And the camaraderie they share is way more than that of just a coach and his player. After their win this Sunday, which also happens to be the second championship trophy win for Alex Caruso, after he won his first back in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers, the shooting guard spoke of his relationship with his current coach. A photo of the two from their G League days went viral after Game 7, and Caruso revealed that he plans to release it alongside a new photo of the two of them as NBA champions. Speaking to NBATV, Caruso said: "It's super cool just to be able to share this with him again." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Talking about the photo, he further added: "I was a lot younger. Immature – more immature then. I probably wasn't agreeing with whatever he said. It was probably like my 12th game of professional basketball and I didn't know what was going on." A lot has happened since then, and now both of them are NBA champions, as they lift the trophy together alongside the rest of the Oklahoma City Thunder team. Also Read: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gives a shout-out to teammate Jalen Williams after Oklahoma City Thunder win 2025 NBA Championship Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'Proud to call him my teammate' -- Chet Holmgren showered praise on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for having one of the greatest seasons by any player
Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Photo via Jerome Miron-Imagn Images) Power forward Chet Holmgren, who himself has showed an impressive set of skills, went ahead to praise the NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for having one of the greatest seasons by a player and leading the team to its well-deserved championship victory. During the interview, Chet talked about the contributions the NBA MVP made towards the team and how it was always more than just about the personal achievements of the player. Chet Holmgren expresses his gratitude and appreciation for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, calls himself a proud friend of the NBA Finals MVP Talking at the post-match interview, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, who joined hands alongside Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to lead the team to championship victory, revealed his gratitude and appreciation towards the NBA MVP. Reflecting on the journey of Gilgeous-Alexander throughout the season, Holmgren stated, 'At the end of the day that is going to go down in history as one of the greatest seasons that's ever been had by a player. You know it's amazing to be a part of that.' The player further continued, 'Witness somebody going through it and succeeding in so many different ways.' Chet highlighted all the records that the MVP broke throughout the season, drafting and setting some of his own. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book 3 & 4 BHK apartments from 4.65 Cr* in Sec 22, Gurugram Ambience Creacions, Gurugram Learn More Undo Along with all these achievements, Gilgeous-Alexander is not just about breaking records and being serious all throughout. Talking about the player's presence within the team, Chet said, 'He really makes it a joy to be around. It's never about him. It's always about us. It's always about winning. He is one hell of a basketball player. But he is a better person. I am proud to call him my teammate. I am proud to call him my friend.' Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt announces a Champions Parade honoring the historic win of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City Thunder In a heartwarming post, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt expressed his warm wishes and regards after the historic win by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Held at the Paycom Centre, the venue saw the Mayor relishing the finals Game 7 throughout its run till the end. Post the match, the Mayor announced a Champions Parade on June 24, 2025 at 10.30 am in honor of the unprecedented legacy set by the team. Relishing the moment of victory, Holt wrote, 'We Are The Champions. After a historic regular season and a hard-fought playoff run, our Oklahoma City Thunder are the 2025 NBA Champions. Congratulations to the players, the coaches, the front office management, the staff and ownership. And of course, congratulations to our city. This is a moment we will each remember for the rest of our lives. OKC has achieved sports immortality. Through the prism of that achievement, we stand in awe of how far our city has come. Nearly two decades ago, our Thunder first declared that we would "rise together." That rise is now complete. In every way, this is our time, OKC.' The Mayor further announced the parade, urging the participation of each and every resident of the city in this grand celebration. What makes the win even more significant is that the championship trophy is the first one to be won by the team after winning for the first time in 1979. The team was then known as the Seattle SuperSonics. Also Read: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named NBA Finals MVP after powering Oklahoma City Thunder to historic Game 7 win Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
