2024 NBA Mock Draft: Timberwolves grab seasoned prospect, Wizards reach for center

30. Boston Celtics - Zach Edey, Purdue

Last, but certainly not least, one of the most accomplished players of the past decade—Zach Edey. The hulking center from Purdue won back-to-back AP Player of the Year awards. Edey averaged 18.2 points, 9.6 boards, and 1.7 blocks per game over his four-year career as a Boilermaker.

Edey is easily one of the most divisive prospects in the draft. He's a 7-foot-4, 300-pound old-school big man. The Toronto-born center excelled with his back to the basket. His combination of size and skill allowed Edey to score at will in the collegiate ranks. His tremendous career was capped off by a 37-point performance in the National Championship game.

Despite Edey's accomplishments, his fit in today's NBA is questionable. Some scouts have pegged Edey as a lottery pick. Others, including this writer, have Edey near the bottom of the first round. Additionally, if not for the weak draft class, the Purdue big man would likely go in the second round.

Although his physical profile is hulking, he's durable and possesses fantastic stamina. Over Edey's final four games of his collegiate career, he averaged 39.0 minutes per game. Unlike the NBA's recent massive bigs, Edey could likely play an extended role for an NBA squad.

Edey's position in the draft is due to his playstyle. The NBA's increased pace doesn't allow for post-ups. Only two players averaged more than 4.0 post-ups per game this past season compared to 12 in 2015-16.