NBA Legend Calls Out Zach Edey During Grizzlies-Warriors

NBA legend Charles Barkley calls out Memphis Grizzlies rookie Zach Edey during Golden State Warriors game

Apr 15, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) shoots over Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The Memphis Grizzlies looked like a sure lock for a top-six seed in the Western Conference, but that all took a change after firing head coach Taylor Jenkins. At the end of the regular season, the Grizzlies finished as the eighth seed in the West, setting up a play-in tournament matchup with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night.

While the Grizzlies are led by Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., they also boast a strong supporting cast that has helped them get this far. One of the key pieces in their supporting cast has been rookie Zach Edey, whose poor first-half performance against the Warriors led to NBA legend Charles Barkley calling him out at halftime.

"[Zach Edey's] only got 5 points... If you're gonna get abused on defense, you better make up for it on the offensive end."

— Charles Barkley 🗣️

(via @NBAonTNT)pic.twitter.com/QbCLb3GNQS

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 16, 2025

""[Zach Edey's] only got 5 points...If you're gonna get abused on defense, you better make up for it on the offensive end," Barkley said to the NBA on TNT crew. With Edey getting played off the court with foul trouble and the Warriors' small ball lineups, the rookie didn't look the part in the first half of his play-in tournament debut.

As a rookie this season with the Grizzlies, Edey ended his regular season with averages of 9.2 points and 8.3 rebounds after being the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, the rookie showed his inexperience and weaknesses during Tuesday's first half.

Jimmy Butler hit the too small celly after scoring over Zach Edey 🤏 pic.twitter.com/rAJv4GrSen

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 16, 2025

If the Grizzlies can advance to the playoffs through the play-in tournament, Memphis will need to figure out how to get the best of Edey, as they are without key reserve Brandon Clarke. Otherwise, the intensity and change of play of the postseason will get to him.

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