Zach Edey’s Ankle Still a Concern After Second Surgery
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The Memphis Grizzlies hoped Zach Edey’s offseason procedure would end the center’s ankle problems when the 2025/26 season began. Instead, after appearing in just 11 games, the 7’4″ second-year big man underwent another operation on March 3 to address a stress reaction in his ankle.
During his limited time on the floor, Edey averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks while logging 25.8 minutes per game. To gauge his long-term outlook, the Memphis Commercial Appeal spoke with orthopedic specialists Dr. Kenneth Jung and Dr. Nicholas Strasser, neither of whom was involved in the surgeries and commented only on information released by the club.
Both physicians noted that the latest procedure involved a different ligament from the one repaired in the offseason, yet multiple setbacks raise red flags. “When there are multiple setbacks like this, you start to worry about whether it represents a more progressive injury,” Strasser said.
According to Jung, Edey sustained injuries that altered the ankle’s anatomy, and the current goal is to restore stability by repairing and reinforcing damaged ligaments. “It’s different from something like an ACL that tears again,” Jung explained. “This is another ligament being stabilized to restore the ankle’s structure.”
The specialists cautioned against a rushed timeline. Strasser said the ideal recovery could be as quick as three months, but six months is more realistic because the talus bone heals slowly. Jung added that both the repaired tissue and the bone stress require adequate time before Edey can rebuild strength.
Memphis expects Edey to be fully ready for the 2026/27 season, but participation in Summer League or FIBA World Cup qualifiers appears unlikely. Team officials indicated that having him back on the court within six months would already represent significant progress.
Source: Hoops Rumors
