As the Memphis Grizzlies gear up for a season filled with high expectations, the days are ticking down, and excitement is growing. The team is in a much better position than last year, with key players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. all healthy and ready to go. Several other contributors are also set to have standout seasons, including rookie first-round pick Zach Edey.

Morant had the opportunity to work out with Edey during a week-long session in Dallas earlier this summer, and the experience left the Grizzlies’ All-Star point guard highly impressed.

How impressed? Morant isn’t holding back when it comes to setting expectations for the towering 7-foot-4 center. He confidently believes Edey could end the season with some major accolades.

“Definitely rookie of the year,” Morant said about his expectations for Edey. “I think easily, too.”

He said he wasn’t surprised to see Edey perform well in workouts, but it was an encouraging sign. Morant prides himself on summer workouts that he refers to as “boot camp,” and Edey held his own.

“For him to come in and say he wants to work out with me and then getting through the workout throughout the whole week, it was big-time for him,” Morant said. “It made me excited to have him on the team. His skill set is even much better.”