Zach Edey has done a lot to improve his NBA Draft stock over the last two seasons but few, if any, would say he’s a No. 1 pick. Except for maybe one CBS Sports’ analyst…
After the Atlanta Hawks secured the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery, one of the network’s basketball pundits went on-air and said that he would take the Purdue big man first overall and even compared him to Hall of Fame center Yao Ming.
People may disagree… If I’m the Hawks — and people can say Donovan Clingan — I’m taking Zach Edey. I’m taking the guy that can score every time. I’m taking somebody that no one else has in the NBA — Yao Ming-ish with what he did in college basketball. Two-time College Player of the Year, devoured college basketball… The Hawks, they need something. They need a shot in the arm. … Zach Edey [is] ready to play right now in the NBA. … I think the Hawks have a chance to do something really, really good here.
The take didn’t exactly receive a ton of support on social media.
“If the Hawks pick Zach Edey first overall I’m lighting myself on fire in front of State Farm Arena,” a user replied.
“I’ll be the first to say I think Edey is underrated, but first overall would be a franchise burning decision lmao,” another laughed.
“Yeah thatd be my last day as a hawks fan.”
“I don’t disagree, do it,” a fan said. “In the second round.”
You’ve got to be kidding me pic.twitter.com/Fd0wMQCnlc
— Quagbar (@quagbar) May 12, 2024
Edey had as decorated a college career as you’ll find in the modern era. But the 7’4″ center has a decent amount of questions surrounding his transition to the league.