Is Memphis Grizzlies’ Zach Randolph a ‘Heave Perfectionist?’

Feb 4, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) talks with a fan during a break in the action during the second half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Memphis won 100-90. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies’ starting power forward, Zach Randolph, has always been an above-average midrange shooter, and every so often, he will attempt–and make–three-pointers.

Randolph was drafted in 2001 and it took him a few seasons to attempt more than six threes per game. Over the course of the 2008-09 season, he attempted a career-high 97 treys. Since the past few years while being a member of the Grizzlies, “Z-Bo” has taken less and less shots behind the arc. He is now attempting just enough threes to keep opponents aware that yes, he has the long-range shot in his arsenal.

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Randolph owns a career average of 26.2% shooting from deep. This season, Zach is on track to achieve a new personal record for three-point shooting percentage in a single season as he is sitting at exactly 60% as of February 5th. Even though Z-Bo has only tried five treys in 2014-15, the percentage is no lie.

But wait…there is something VERY unique about the Grizzlies’ Randolph and his jump shots from downtown. WAY downtown.

Randolph’s first made three of the season happened from near halfcourt on the road at the buzzer in Milwaukee.

“Z” made his second three-pointer, a non-halfcourt shot, at home against Philadelphia; however, he made this miraculous bucket in the Grizzlies’ last game–on the road in Utah.

Is Zach a deadeye shooter, especially the further back behind the arc–and even halfcourt–that he becomes? It sure seems like it.

Another item of interest: notice the similarities of both buzzer-beaters. Position. Catch. The release. The bank! Z-Bo is becoming a perfectionist of the buzzer heave.

Zach is notorious for his effort, toughness, and rebounding–his boards occasionally being coined as “Z-bounds.” There might soon be another description to add to Randolph’s résumé. Heave-Shot Buzzer-Beating Perfectionist?

If Z-Bo continues to hit ridiculous buzzer-beating three-pointers, maybe the next idiom that Memphians can use in relation to Zach Randolph will be “Three-Bo.” Think about it. It has a nice ring to it, right? Maybe not.

Either way, as long as Randolph is healthy–posting double-doubles nightly–and the Grizzlies are winning against top-tier talent, the only idiom that Grizz fans truly care about is “Champs on Beale Street.”

Go Grizz!