NBA rookie Zach Edey and the Memphis Grizzlies opened their preseason against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night with a 121-116 victory.

In Edey’s first game adorning navy blue and yellow, the starter put up six points and four rebounds with one block and one steal.

Fifth year Memphis star Ja Morant added 13 points, four rebounds and three assists while Brandon Clark came off the bench and contributed 17 points.

The 22-year-old was drafted by the Grizzlies as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 draft after an outstanding senior year at Purdue, where he averaged 25 points per game, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 62 percent from the field.

Standing at 7-foot-4, the center is tied with Spurs star Victor Wembanyama as the tallest player in the NBA this season.

Edey’s impressive height, combined with his surprising athleticism and stature, makes him a defensive nightmare for a Grizzlies team that ranked No. 19 in defensive rating last season. ]