As the highly anticipated 2024 NBA draft approaches, basketball enthusiasts are finding it difficult to predict the outcome. Uncertainty looms over the top pick, leaving experts divided on the most promising prospects. One player in particular, Purdue's Zach Edey, is raising eyebrows with his towering presence and drawing comparisons to NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal.

According to ESPN's latest mock draft, Zach Edey falls to the Miami Heat at the fifteenth spot, while the Atlanta Hawks select Zaccharie Riacher as their top pick. However, despite Edey's impressive physical attributes and undeniable talent, the lack of consensus among teams has created a sense of bewilderment.

Standing at an impressive 7 feet 4 inches, Edey possesses an overwhelming combination of size, power, and intensity. His dominance on the court has proven to be a challenge for opposing teams to contain, as he bulldozes his way through defenses. In fact, one player who had the opportunity to work out against Edey compared the experience to "trying to guard Shaquille O'Neal."

The comparison to Shaq himself is undoubtedly a lofty one. Edey's current weight of 300 pounds is only one pound lighter than Shaq's weight when he was drafted. However, it is crucial to consider that Shaquille O'Neal was seen as an unstoppable force and a can't-miss prospect during the 1992 NBA draft, while Edey may not even be selected as the first big man in this year's draft.

Critics argue that Edey's massive size makes it challenging to differentiate him from other towering athletes on the court. Only those with the discerning eye and expertise comparable to prime Patrick Ewing would be able to detect the subtleties in his game. Nevertheless, if the Shaq-Edey comparisons persist, whichever team ends up drafting him will undoubtedly be pleased with their selection.

As the first round of the NBA draft approaches, basketball fans eagerly await the final verdict on Zach Edey's future. Will he live up to the expectations set by the comparison to Shaquille O'Neal? Or will he carve out his own unique path in the NBA? Only time will tell as the draft unfolds on Wednesday night, promising surprises and uncertainties for all.