One NBA draft analyst was astounded and stunned by the player selected with the ninth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Yahoo Sports’ Kristen Peek was the first to weigh in on what she thinks about Purdue star Zach Eddy entering the league after the Grizzlies selected Eddy in the first round.
“This is one of the worst picks in the history of the draft,” Peake declared.
Eddie was a generational talent during his time at Purdue and led the Boilermarks to a national championship game appearance this season, but some analysts believe he’s not cut out for the highest level of competition.
Standing at an astounding 7’4″, Eddie is a classic back-to-the-basket big man.
He’s primarily used for post-up touches and has a tendency to crowd the paint, something that’s becoming less common in the NBA’s 3-point era.
He lacks an explosive first step and true shooting ability.
Peake expressed various concerns about how he would play professionally.
“I just don’t know how he’ll fit in the backcourt with Ja Morant,” she said. “He shot just 8 percent out of the pick-and-roll, and he’s a liability defensively. … Teams are going to want to target him in the pick-and-roll.”
Peake added that the Grizzlies could have targeted Tristan da Silva or Cody Williams instead of Eddie.
Fans echoed Peak’s sentiments and shared them on social media.
1 X user “I never thought Eddie could possibly make it to nine years old,” he said.
Another user Shared your opinion Your selection:
“I think Zach Eddy is the worst pick in the draft in the top 10, but Bronny James will probably get drafted at some point…”
ESPN analyst and former Golden State Warriors coach Bob Myers was also shocked by Eddie’s selection.
“To me, this is the most surprising pick ever. I didn’t think he would be taken this high,” Myers said, noting that Eddie could be a good fit with athletic power forward Jaren Jackson Jr.
Only time will tell if Eddie can adapt to the league and if Peak’s initial reaction was correct.
