The Grizzlies have one of the brightest futures in the NBA, but they took a huge blow when Zach Randolph went down earlier in the year. But now Z-Bo is back and apparently he’s cool with coming off the bench if it’s in the best interest of the team.
“Randolph’s willingness to take a step back in the rotation in an attempt to help the Griz move forward was commended by those around him. ‘He showed big-time leadership for our team,’ guard O.J. Mayo said. ‘It’s not all about numbers or minutes or any one person. It’s about the team winning. That’s what he’s all about and that’s what he showed.’ Randolph’s reserve role isn’t set in stone, but it’s likely that it’ll stay the same tonight when the Griz host the Minnesota Timberwolves. The veteran forward is on board with the move for now, acknowledging that it is necessary for his conditioning and to keep the team’s chemistry intact. ‘I just have to keep working to get myself back in rhythm. I still need to get my legs under me,’ Randolph said. ‘I’m going to do whatever it takes. I’m a team guy first. I’ll cheer these guys on. If it takes me coming off the bench for a minute to get where we need to be, then that’s fine. I’ll be out there in the end when it counts.’ The move is designed to better control Randolph’s minutes and allow him to continue a gradual comeback from a knee injury. Griz coach Lionel Hollins also aims to reinvigorate the team. Memphis had lost five of six games with a fluid rotation and strange lineup combinations while trying to accommodate Randolph’s return.
Source: Commercial Appeal
