Yao Ming-style injury! Edey undergoes another surgery for left ankle stress reaction, having already had one in June last year.

On March 2, Beijing time, the Grizzlies provided an update on the injury progress of Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke.

The Grizzlies stated: To address persistent discomfort in the left ankle joint and talus stress issues, Edey will undergo surgery. He initially had surgery on June 1 last year, aimed at improving lateral ankle joint laxity and restoring its stability. According to the consensus of consulting specialist physicians, Edey's lateral ligaments remained stable post-surgery, while the persistent discomfort and talus stress issues are primarily due to progressive laxity of the deltoid (medial) ligament. The upcoming surgery will reinforce the medial ligament complex and accelerate bone healing. Edey is expected to make a full recovery, with a rehabilitation timeline to be announced after the procedure.

So far this season, Edey has played 11 games for the Grizzlies, averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, with a field goal percentage of 63.3%. His last game before the injury was against Chinese player Yang Hansen. In that game, Edey shot 5 for 11 from the field, 0 for 2 from three-point range, scoring 12 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 3 assists, while committing 6 turnovers and fouling out. Hansen made his first career start in that game, playing 19 minutes and 13 seconds, scoring 4 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and providing 2 assists, shooting 2 for 5 from the field and 0 for 2 from three-point range, with 2 turnovers and 5 fouls.

The term "stress-related" is likely familiar to Chinese basketball fans. Yao Ming's past injuries were linked to this term, specifically the more severe stress fracture. A stress reaction is a precursor stage to a stress fracture; without proper recovery, it can potentially lead to a more serious fracture.

Edey stands at 2.21 meters tall and weighs 138 kilograms. Such a tall and heavy center places significant pressure on the ankles. Now facing a stress reaction, the Grizzlies are handling this injury with a cautious approach.

Clarke's recovery from a right calf strain sustained on December 20 last year continues to progress, but further rehabilitation is needed to fully heal the strain before he can advance to the next phase of the return-to-play process.

Clarke will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, with further updates to follow based on his condition.