“I think having a big like JJJ on both ends of the floor helps optimize Zach, and I think Zach helps optimize us.” –Kleiman on Edey, With Interview Run-down

Folks, before you fully form your opinions on the matter of drafting Edey, it's worth getting the GM's opinion and reasoning.

But watching a 15 minute video feels impossible, right? Give me 15 second shorts! That's cool. I got a rapid fire run down of the interview, with direct quotes and timestamps if something catches your fancy. If there's not quotes around it, I'm paraphrasing. Brackets mean it's all me.

What was it about Edey that makes him a fit?

He's special. "Care Factor." 0:46 [I swear no Kleiman interview is complete without a Care Factor mention] Wants to win and improves every year. "Could not be more thrilled to have landed him in this draft." 1:10

Did you try to move up? Charlotte?

"Let's just say that this is exactly what we were hoping would happen tonight." 1:32 ['Nuff said, I guess!]

Can he guard in space?

He's a polarizing player. I think there are some misconceptions about his defense. He was told not to foul out of games and his foul rate shows that. For us we'll let him be more aggressive, and he'll be with Jaren. "Edey is the anchor in drop coverage." 3:24 Also he's a great rebounder.

"In our frontcourt now, there's a lot of different ways we can play" 3:52 [This is a crucial part of the interview imo, I think Kleiman is obsessed with finding a big combination that can fluidly change throughout a game.]

Jaren and Clarke is a great pairing, dynamic and athletic. "We're optimistic about what the Zach Edey Jaren pairing is going to be" 4:10 Jaren + Santi = Spacing

Basically, people spend a lot of time thinking, how do we match up against them? But Zach helps you because, "you gotta deal with him… let them figure out how to deal with us" 4:43 Having "different looks we can throw out over the course of a game or over the course of a series" is important.

[Spice Alert] Zach (Edey) talked in the combine about talking with you quite a bit and liking Memphis, how early did you target him?

"Zach let the cat out of the bag– we knew him from the year before." 5:30 We talked with him a lot last year before he withdrew, but we had not spoken with him when he said that this year. [Sounds to me like Kleiman didn't appreciate his interest being broadcasted, haha]

We saw him get the call and it was emotional, what was that like?

It helped that we had talked in the past, but there was a lot of mutual excitement for him joining the Grizzlies.

[Reporter reaching for headline] Didn't you try to move up for Clingan?

Kleiman: "I haven't seen that reported anywhere." 6:35 Reporter: "I'm asking." Kleiman: "I'm saying this is how we wanted the draft to play out tonight."

Edey posted up a TON. Jenkins likes his Centers at the top of the key and the elbows. How do you see him fitting?

Zach was incredibly successful in the post in college, and that'll be a weapon. He's a screen setter, offensive rebounder, roll threat for Ja; we're excited about the pairing with Ja. Also the free throw shooting may mean shooting could be a part of his game, there's potential.

Luke Kennard?

He's a great fit for us, can't say more now.

Will Edey play Team Canada or Summer League?

We haven't discussed it yet.

Edey was healthy in college, but how about over 82 games?

Zach's durability is remarkable. We'll get him in and get to know him, and it's not a place we're concerned.

Only a few people have won multiple Naismith Awards before the NBA, guys like Oscar Robinson, Pistol Pete [Maravich], do you think Edey can continue the tradition of becoming Hall of Famers like them? What can he do right away?

[Visible 'dude why are you asking that' vibes] Yeah I can't say what his career will look like, but "we think he's a meaningful, impactful part of our group who can help us achieve high end team outcomes." 10:15 which bleeds into the best quote of the interview…

"I think having a big like Jaren Jackson Jr on both ends of the floor helps optimize Zach, and I think Zach helps optimize us."

He's had all these accolades in college but has been counted out, do you think he'll fit in with GG and Ja in that? Why's he a good fit?

He's so competitive, no nonsense. Track record of improvement and winning at a high level. I can't wait for people to get to know him.

Two picks left! What's gonna happen?

We'll see, it'll be interesting. We set a whole board up ahead of time and are excited, there are still good players available.

Lots of Grizz players commenting on social media, seeming excited. Any conversations with them?

I'll let them speak for themselves, but we're excited.

Not gonna mention Steven Adams [but yeah] but Ja works well with that kinda big, what do you see with that combo?

"It's a combination we're very excited about… Ja's excited about it as well, I can share that." 12:53 Having someone who brings that is significant. It'll be a part of our flexibility.

How's the second round gonna go?

We feel good, not saying more. "Can't give any hints there." 14:00

…So that's the interview.

If you've read to this point, let me know if this is something that actually is worth doing. I've considered doing this type of run down more often since I always appreciate the interviews posted, and I feel like they provide a lot about how Kleiman thinks, and over the course of the season how Jenkins and the players think.