Herrington: Zach Edey transformed the Grizzlies defense, but without a healthy point guard will it matter?
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey, top, played his first game of the season Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Chris Herrington
Chris Herrington has covered the Memphis Grizzlies, in one way or another, since the franchise’s second season in Memphis, while also writing about music, movies, food and civic life. As far as he knows, he’s the only member of the Professional Basketball Writers Association who is also a member of a film critics group and has also voted in national music critic polls for Rolling Stone and the Village Voice (RIP). He and his wife have two kids and, for reasons that sometimes elude him, three dogs.
It was a good five minutes.
In the 14th game of the season, in Cleveland, the Memphis Grizzlies debuted what currently seems to be their optimal lineup: Ja Morant-Jaylen Wells-Cedric Coward-Jaren Jackson Jr.-Zach Edey.
Edey’s return from injury made it possible, with the elevation of rookie Coward more purely elective, and it looked different right out of the gate
This is an excerpt of this story. To read more, please click here and subscribe.
Topics
Subscriber Only Zach Edey2025 is almost over. Now is the time to support your trusted local news source.
Will you help us reach more Memphians with quality, in-depth local news? Make a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian, a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization, today.
Thank you for keeping up with what’s happening in Memphis. Thank you for investing in our community’s trusted local news source.
Chris Herrington on demand
Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Chris Herrington's stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Related stories
Herrington: As Grizzlies drama passes, spotlight shifts to coach Tuomas Iisalo
After a few days of crashing out, the back-to-normal Grizzlies hit the road, with plenty to evaluate, on the sidelines and on the floor.
Grizzlies 25: Kyle Anderson played with his own style, at his own speed
It should come as no surprise that the man dubbed “Slow Mo” is one of nine players in Grizzlies history among the franchise’s top 20 in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.
Grizzlies podcast: Memphis trending wrong way as Edey returns
Drew Hill and Chris Herrington recap a disappointing start to the Grizzlies’ road trip and discuss Zach Edey’s imminent return.
Comments
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.