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Why Zach Randolph is perfect off the bench

By Parker Fleming

Oct 3, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) is guarded by Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Mario Hezonja (8) during the first half at FedExForum. Memphis beat Orlando 102-97. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) is guarded by Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Mario Hezonja (8) during the first half at FedExForum. Memphis beat Orlando 102-97. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale announced that All-Star big man Zach Randolph will move to the bench. This move could do wonders for the Grizz.

Moving an All-Star player, who was once a cornerstone to the bench is always a sticky situation. There are some instances, like Allen Iverson’s, where they’re not willing to come off the bench. Some players, such as Vince Carter, relish the opportunity in order to reach that elusive goal of an NBA title. Now, it is Zach Randolph’s time to come off the bench.

Response

It seems like Zach Randolph is ready to do whatever Fizdale asks of him. Last year, Joerger asked him to come off the bench, and to no avail. Fizdale convincing one of the “Core Four” players is big for his development as an NBA head coach, a rookie one at that.

Zach Randolph should be a dynamite off the bench. There are many reasons this is a good move for the Grizzlies.

Playing time at the 5

*stats found on Nylon Calculus*

With Brandan Wright, Jarell Martin and Deyonta Davis off the bench, Zach Randolph will be joining this plethora of big men. While Wright’s natural position is the 5, it would not be shocking to see Randolph get some run at the 5, considering that Wright is coming off a season-ending knee injury. For the Grizzlies, it may be an option worth exploring.

Zach Randolph played 34% of his 671 minutes at the 5 position. His per 36 numbers:

  • 22.0 points
  • 9.2 rebounds
  • 3.1 assists
  • Net Rating: +5.8

Randolph’s efficiency causes the Grizzlies to toy around with small-ball lineups. They could surround him with Baldwin-Daniels-Ennis-Parsons or Conley-Baldwin-Ennis-Parsons. Zach Randolph surrounded by four shooters should be a paradise for the Grizzlies. He has the entire paint for destruction; furthermore, if teams dare to double-team him, he has shooters waiting to fire away from downtown.

Veteran among young players

The bench was a questionable area for the Grizzlies. Aside from the 39-year old Vince Carter and Brandan Wright, the second unit is full of inexperienced players.

CBS Sports ranked them 21st out in the league. FanSided’s own Sir Charles said they were the fourth worst bench.

Adding a seasoned veteran and former All-Star like Zach Randolph should do wonders for this young team. Even though their bench has strengthened, I am not going to jump the gun and say that they are a top-5 bench, but they are at least respectable and capable of maintaining a lead.

Because of Randolph’s veteran experience, guys like Wade Baldwin, James Ennis and Troy Daniels can get used to consistent NBA minutes while improving their games.

Zach Randolph: 6th man

Zach Randolph could make a case for NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year. Last year, the main competition was among Andre Iguodala, Jamal Crawford, Enes Kanter and Will Barton. Randolph could easily establish himself in that race.

If the Memphis Grizzlies finish in the top 3 or 4 in the West and see solid numbers (maybe along the lines of 16/9), Randolph could be the frontrunner for the Sixth Man award.

While awards and accolades are nice, a championship is more important. If the Grizzlies are finding success with Randolph on the bench in May and June, the move will look genius.

It will be weird to see ZBo out of the starting lineup; however, the #ZboFor6thMan campaign will be one of the top storylines for the Grizzlies.

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