Two Memphis Grizzlies named in Sports Illustrated’s top 100-31 NBA players list
By Ian Pierno
Sports Illustrated has released the bottom 70 players in its “Top 100 NBA players of 2017” list and two Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph and Chandler Parsons, made the cut. Will any other Grizzlies, specifically Mike Conley and/or Marc Gasol, make the top 30?
The beginning of Sports Illustrated ‘s annual “Top 100 NBA players of 2017” list just dropped, with spots 100-31 being released as NBA fans continue to yearn for the debates that’ll ensue when the top 30 comes out. Two Memphis Grizzlies players, seven-year mainstay Zach Randolph and the newly-signed Chandler Parsons made the list.
Dropping 15 spots from his No. 49 spot last year, Zach Randolph made the list at No. 64 after leading the injury-riddled Memphis Grizzlies in points and rebounds last season.
Related Story: Two Grizzlies make top 30 of SI's 'Top 100 NBA Players for 2017' rankings
No. 64: Zach Randolph
Three players preceding Randolph: Marvin Williams (CLT), Thad Young (IND), Andrew Wiggins (MIN)
Three players ensuing Randolph: Greg Monroe (MIL), Jonas Valanciunas (TOR), Goran Dragic (MIA)
"Randolph, after 15 years in the league, is bullying a new wave of slighter, smaller power forwards. His rump does the heavy lifting; tough as it is to push back against Randolph’s post-ups or contest his long-armed hook shots, such tasks are that much harder when Randolph first bumps away defenders off his backside. Sophisticated, preemptive team defenses make it more challenging every year for players to operate from the post. Yet Randolph comes back, season after season, with the fakes and footwork he needs to get by. There’s room, still, for Randolph’s particular brand of mid-usage bullyball. (Last year: No. 49) + Remains a solid mid-range shooter, shooting 43.1% last season+ A load of a rebounder. Opponents advised to use heavy machinery, tow cables, etc.– Slow-footed defender who doesn’t much protect the rim– Face-up game is in decline now that his jab step is something of an empty threat(via Rob Mahoney)"
Indeed, Randolph does come back “season after season,” so if I were a betting man, my money would be on Randolph returning to the top 100 next season.
At No. 51, Chandler Parsons entered the scene.
No. 51: Chandler Parsons
Three players preceding Parsons: Tristan Thompson (CLE), Jae Crowder (BOS), Reggie Jackson (DET)
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Three players ensuing Parsons: C.J. McCollum (POR), Eric Bledsoe (PHX), Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL)
"In a league where perimeter shooting often distinguishes teams between winners and losers, players like Parsons offer valuable points of leverage. The fifth-year forward can be trusted to spot up along the arc and relied upon to create in a pinch. That he easily slides between the 3 and the 4 only allows for further matchup control and lineup flexibility. In that way, Parsons helps to relieve some of the stresses of running an offense. When a primary ballhandler is trapped or denied, initiating the pick-and-roll is no problem. Parsons scored efficiently in the two-man game in each of his seasons in Dallas—his first real license to play a more active role in shot creation. When an opponent goes into rotation, Parsons is comfortable flooring the ball to either work his way into a shot or set up a lob for a teammate near the rim. There’s a lot to like in his offense, which unfortunately also means that his team also has a lot to miss when he’s gone. It has now been a matter of years since Parsons was fully healthy. He may never again have quite the same lift and explosion. Those are realities Parsons must now face, all while his team lives with the possibility that a key player might not always be available. (Last year: No. 66)+ Still runs the floor well in transition despite his injuries+ Eager to assist his teammates and has great chemistry with finishing bigs– Past two seasons have ended with knee surgeries– Swings between two positions but isn’t a particularly helpful defender on balance(via Rob Mahoney)"
Parsons is certainly in elite company, being in a crowd including the NBA Finals’ X-Factor, Tristan Thompson, the Greek Freak, Antetokounmpo, and elite scorers in Bledsoe and McCollum. Like Bledsoe, Parsons has also had his share of injury issues, but has the potential to leap up the list after signing on to be the Memphis Grizzlies’ most efficient scoring options.