Eastern Conference team emerges as likely Zach Edey NBA Draft landing spot

Purdue Boilermakers star Zach Edey is a big name to watch during the 2024 NBA Draft. Edey recently declined his green room invite and instead will watch the draft from home with family and friends in a bit of a surprising move.

Edey has been flying up draft boards recently and should be selected in the first round. The Los Angeles Lakers have been a popular landing spot for the big man, and bringing in that size with LeBron James and Anthony Davis would be a big get.

In a recent mock draft by Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, Edey was slated to the Orlando Magic at No. 18 overall. However, Scotto mentioned that the Toronto Raptors are a potential fit for Edey if he is there at pick No. 19:

"Regarding the draft, the Raptors love homegrown Canadian-born players and are a team to monitor for Zach Edey if he falls to this pick."

A dejected Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) walks off the court after losing the Men's NCAA national championship game to Connecticut Huskies at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on April 8, 2024. Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

In this mock draft by Scotto, he had Indiana big man Kel'el Ware going to the Raptors since Edey wasn't available.

Of course, the Canada ties with Edey would be a popular selection if the Raptors can land him in the first round. Moreover, their need for a big man would be addressed early.

There are concerns about Edey's NBA fit, but his dominance in the paint and as a scorer down low is tough to ignore.