NBA injury update: Is Zach Edey out for the season? Memphis Grizzlies rookie set for second ankle surgery in concerning setback

Zach Edey, a center for the Memphis Grizzlies, will have another procedure to treat his injured left ankle. On March 1, the team revealed that Edey would have a second surgery to treat the pain in his left ankle. Edey's wounded left ankle will be the subject of his second operation. On June 10, he had his first operation to help stabilize his ankle.

The team anticipates that Edey's surgery will alleviate persistent pain and bone stress. In June, he underwent surgery on his left ankle following his selection to the All-Rookie first team. Due to a stress response in his ankle, the 7-foot-3 Edey has been out since December 7. In 11 games this season, he is averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks.

Zach Edey set for second ankle surgery as Memphis Grizzlies provide cautious recovery update

The upcoming surgery is to resolve discomfort and a talar bone stress in his left ankle. The Grizzlies said in a statement:

“The Memphis Grizzlies today announced the following medical updates for center Zach Edey and forward Brandon Clarke: Zach Edey will undergo surgery to resolve ongoing discomfort and talar bone stress in his left ankle. Edey originally underwent surgery on June 10 to address laxity in and re-stabilize the lateral ankle joint…”

It further stated:

“Based on the unanimous opinion of consulting expert physicians, Edey’s lateral ligaments remain stable post-surgery with ongoing discomfort and talar bone stress being driven by progressive laxity of the deltoid (medial) ligaments. The upcoming procedure will reinforce the medial ligament complex and accelerate bone healing…”





It continued:

“Edey is expected to make a full recovery, and a timeline will be provided following the surgery. Brandon Clarke continues to progress in his rehabilitation from a right calf strain sustained on Dec. 20 but will require additional rehabilitation for the strain to fully resolve before advancing to the next step of his return-to-play process…”

It concluded:

“Clarke will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks, and further updates will be provided as appropriate…”

After undergoing his initial operation, Edey, the Grizzlies' first-round draft pick in 2024 (No. 9 overall), missed the beginning of the season before making his debut on November 15. Despite his strong performance, the Grizzlies shut him down because of his ongoing ankle pain. His most recent performance was on December 7.

Zach Edey showed early promise before setback as Memphis Grizzlies await recovery timeline

In 11 games this season, he averaged 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds. Edey made his debut on November 15 after missing the season's opening due to his initial operation. Even though he performed well, the Grizzlies shut him down because of his persistent ankle pain.

Early in his first season, the 23-year-old Edey, a two-time AP National Player of the Year at Purdue, missed 12 games due to a sprained left ankle. The Grizzlies stated that Edey is anticipated to fully recover and that a date would be given after his surgery.
Brandon Clarke, a forward, will undergo another evaluation in around two weeks, according to the organization. A strained right calf has kept 29-year-old Clarke out since December 20.



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