Word came out Wednesday afternoon that longtime Grizzly, two-time all-star and the real creator of the Grit & Grind era in Memphis, Zach Randolph will be coming off of the bench for the Grizzlies this season.
Grizzlies’ Zach Randolph to come off bench behind JaMychal Green https://t.co/SyFwE7nI90
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) October 5, 2016
Randolph will back up JaMychal Green, who performed well in 15 starts for the Grizzlies last season while Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol were out with injuries.
Z-Bo is embracing the role, saying “If coach wants me to play 10 minutes, I will play the hardest 10 minutes.”
He could be an instant contender for Sixth Man of the Year and could terrorize backup big man on opposing teams, many of which are younger, less experienced players that are developing the strength and chops to deal with a savvy and tough veteran like Randolph.
I think this move makes sense for the Grizzlies and Randolph to help preserve him this season at the age of 34. His acceptance of this role after being a starter basically his whole career and the former face of the franchise in Memphis is indicative of the maturation that he has undergone while playing for the Grizzlies organization.
Once known as a talented but troubled player with an attitude problem, Z-Bo grew up (are you paying attention DeMarcus Cousins?) and developed into a great leader for a Grizzlies organization that has hovered in the second tier of the west for a while now.
