There are five teams listed as the most intriguing potential landing spots for the former Purdue star.
indiana pacers
Eady has spent the past four years in West Lafayette, and if selected by the Pacers, he would only have to travel 105 miles southeast to begin his NBA career. He's also likely to boost the team's poor rebounding rate. Indiana ranks 21st in offensive rebounding percentage (24.8 percent) and 25th in defensive rebounding percentage (72.8 percent), and center Myles Turner is the team's tallest player at 6 feet 11 inches.
The Pacers have a fast-paced offense, which makes the fit a bit unclear. But it's hard not to imagine point guard Tyrese Haliburton making the most of an easy lob opportunity to Eadie. With Turner's ability to shoot from deep, Eady could play with a nine-year veteran of the Pacers, rather than an either-or option.
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James is a fan and told reporters during March Madness, “I enjoyed watching the Purdue game because of Zach Eady, because he's a great player.” Anthony Davis would probably approve. That's because playing alongside Eadie would mean returning to his desired position, power forward. Davis can also protect from the perimeter, masking Eadie's limitations by allowing him to focus on his inside scoring threat. Los Angeles also ranks last in the league in offensive rebound percentage (21.3 percent). According to KenPom, Eadie had the third-highest offensive rebound percentage in the country (18.1 percent) this season.
Note: The New Orleans Pelicans control the Lakers' 2024 first-round pick, which could be pushed to 2025.
new orleans pelicans
Eady could provide New Orleans with important frontcourt depth. Jonas Valanciunas is a pending free agent, and Larry Nance Jr. will be the team's only center next season. If Valanciunas returns, Eady could slowly develop and offer more than backup center Cody Zeller this season. The Pelicans are one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the league, and even with Zion Williamson on the floor, spacing is less of a concern.
oklahoma city thunder
The Thunder are also a team that lacks rebounding ability and can use Eadie. He averages 39.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 28th in the league. Oklahoma City, one of the top teams in the West, has several key pieces that will make it a championship contender for years to come. If Eadie can become an elite rebounder in the NBA after years of being one of the best players in college, the Thunder could really make it big.
san antonio spurs
San Antonio's main goal in the 2024 NBA Draft should be finding a guard to pair with Victor Wembaneyama, but if Eadie's stock declines, the Spurs could add him as well. In Tankasson's latest mock draft, he falls to the Raptors' first pick in the second round (31st overall). He likely won't be available when the Spurs pick No. 33, but if he's still on the board near the end of the first round, the Spurs will have to inquire about the cost of moving up. Opposing players will find it nearly impossible to get shots in the lane against San Antonio's pair of potential 7-footers. It may not be long before this duo towers over the NBA in more than a literal sense.
