The Memphis Grizzlies got strong performances in their first preseason game, even as Ja Morant left with an apparent ankle injury.

Edey has a big advantage given that playing time criteria. He was drafted onto a Grizzlies team that traded away their starting center in Steven Adams and never really replaced him. Edey will likely take on that starting role, ensuring that he has plenty of chances to succeed.

Ja Morant slithered down the baseline with a defender attached to his right hip, took two dribbles and floated a left-handed pass high in the air over three Dallas Mavericks defenders. So high that the 7-foot-4 Zach Edey had to leave his feet to finish off a two-handed dunk on the alley-oop pass.

NBA rookie Zach Edey and the Memphis Grizzlies opened their preseason against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night with a 121-116 victory. In Edey's

The Zach Edey era began on Monday with preseason NBA action. The Memphis Grizzlies opened training camp play versus the Dallas Mavericks. And the big question was how the rookie big man would play. Edey dealt with a nagging ankle injury in summer league play this summer.

The Dallas Mavericks made a surprising move on Tuesday as they waived a wing who has been around the team for multiple seasons and has tons of potential.