SAN ANTONIO — Ball between his legs in the last available spot on the Memphis Grizzlies’ bench, Zach Edey looked on at his competition. For once, he leveled with him.

Victor Wembanyama, putting shots up on the other end of the court prior to the first of two games between the two Western Conference squads, was the opponent in question. He stood 7-foot-3 — barefoot, he might add — but despite measuring one inch shorter than Edey, it was rare for either center to find like-sized foes.

“He’s probably the only other dude in the NBA I can look eye-to-eye with,” Edey said of Wembanyama. “I’m definitely looking forward to this one.”

Within a few minutes, he showed it. Edey won the opening tipoff and quickly logged six points near the rim — the latter coming on a two-handed slam over top of Wembanyama — in what ended up being a Grizzlies victory on the road.

Both centers had vastly different play-styles. Both brought something unique to the court.

And Taylor Jenkins loved it.

“With how many years he was playing basketball — the system he was playing successfully at Purdue — (he had) to adapt to a different game. A different style,” the Grizzlies’ coach said of Edey. “I think he’s doing a beautiful job of that.”

Wembanyama didn’t need to show any more than he did that night. Eight blocks in the first half combined with 13 points and 12 rebounds for a near triple-double was, ironically, a tame night for him, especially on offense. But Edey?

Beyond his six early points, he didn’t make much noise. For a rookie, such was expected, but Edey still earned his coach’s approbation.

“With Zach,” Jenkins said, “I’ve seen so much growth from the guy. Everyone thinks he’s just a one-way player on offense or defense, but I’ve seen so much versatility.”

Coming out of college, the Purdue product wasn’t expected to be a proficient 3-point shooter. As tall as he was, being more than a rebounder and shot blocker seemed out of the cards, though if Wembanyama blazed any kind of trail, it was the one Edey followed. Beyond being the “defensive anchor” that Memphis expected, he also took on an offensive role. 

He was happy to do so. 

“Everybody on the team (has) to play a role,” Edey said. “My role has changed through the year. I’m just trying to buy into that role. Buy into being an elite rebounder … an elite rim protector … a spacer and cutter more than I’ve ever been used to.

“If it helps the team win, that’s what I’m going to do.”

This season, Edey is averaging 9.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and a little more than one block in 21 minutes per game. For Memphis — already the beneficiary of Jaren Jackson Jr., a rim protector and former NBA Defensive Player of the Year. — the size Edey brings is unique, but secondary.

As a result, Jenkins focused on developing his skill set. If the goal was to live up to the impacts made by Jackson or even Wembanyama, Edey has a ways to go.

But as far as his mindset goes? It’s what makes him the Grizzlies’ unsung hero.

“(Zach) came and said ‘Coach, I’ve just got to do whatever it is, starting or coming off the bench,’” Jenkins explained. “‘Just keep pushing me, I want to keep learning.’” 

Against the Spurs, he was. Memphis pulled out the victory and Edey had his moments, but he played far from a complete game. Still, he challenged the likes of Wembanyama eye-to-eye. 

That’s a prospect the Grizzlies are excited to explore. 

“That speaks to his work ethic, care factor and want to impact winning,” Jenkins said. “It’s been phenomenal to work with a guy like that.”