Grizzlies know Zach Edey wants to push it. They won’t let him

Zach Edey wants to go. The Grizzlies occasionally need to tell him no.

Edey participated in Memphis’ first training camp practice but was limited during the second session of a two-a-day as the Grizzlies continue managing his workload, according to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

That’s apparently easier said than done. Coach Tuomas Iisalo said Edey’s nature is to keep pushing, even when the wiser move might be backing off.

So Memphis will do some of the backing off for him. Edey’s availability is particularly important after injuries disrupted his second NBA season. The 7-foot-4 center underwent ankle surgery last year and the Grizzlies have little reason to win September.

They need Edey when the games actually count. That’s why Memphis is taking the long view even if its center would prefer otherwise.

Edey showed enough as a rookie to establish himself as a major part of the Grizzlies’ future, averaging 9.2 points and 8.3 rebounds and earning first-team All-Rookie honors.

Now the goal is keeping him on the floor long enough to build on it. Edey apparently doesn’t need anyone encouraging him to work. The Grizzlies might occasionally need someone to make him stop.