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Memphis Grizzlies’ Randolph to Cross into Familiar Territory

By Christian Dudley

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Apr 10, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) reacts during the first half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies’ Zach Randolph is looking to add to his legacy by winning his and Memphis’ first NBA World Championship. Step No. 1 in doing so? Plowing through his old stomping grounds.

The Memphis Grizzlies lead two games to none in their first round series of the 2015 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers. Memphis dominated at home, winning both games by double digits. Now they head to the Upper Northwest for the next pair of games, with Game 3 scheduled for Saturday, April 25th.

What significance does Game 3 hold?

It will be the most meaningful moment for Zach Randolph return to the Portland, Oregon area. Never before has the Memphis Grizzlies’ No. 50 faced the Portland Trail Blazers–his former team–in the postseason. He obviously plays a couple road games each Grizz season in Portland when Memphis takes on the Blazers, but those are regular season games. Games 3 and 4 (this upcoming Saturday and Monday, respectively) hold a lot of weight for Z-Bo and his Grizzlies.

Apr 22, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) before the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

For those that may not remember, Zach Randolph began his NBA career in 2001 by being drafted out of Michigan State University to the Portland Trail Blazers. He was selected in the first round–19th overall. Although it was not an extremely powerful class, “Z” was taken before the likes of Gerald Wallace, Tony Parker, and Gilbert Arenas.

Randolph faced some troubled times early in his career. He saw his name come up in negative off-court issues surrounding the Trail Blazers’ squad, hence the team being referred to by citizens as the “Jail Blazers.” Portland had some dark years that threw shade on Z-Bo’s blooming professional basketball career as he was finding his way through the league.

Z-Bo has refined his game, along with his lifestyle, ever since landing in Memphis. Grizz Nation knows that Zach has range to his jumpshot. He does not camp in the lane every offensive possession. He can take his man to school any way that he wishes–post up, turnaround jumper, off the dribble, etc.

Basically, Randolph can do it all, but he has made his name popular in households all across the nation for being a bull in the paint, gobbling up rebounds on both ends of the floor, and creating second chances for his Grizzly brethren. The vast majority of his shot attempts come from short distance.

Apr 19, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) during the game in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

How has his offensive game changed? Though Zach has been a rampant bull inside the arc for his entire basketball career, he did not trot into the painted area as often as he does these days.

With the Portland Trail Blazers, Randolph attempted more than 40 three-point shots in four of six seasons, including 97 tries from deep in 2008-09. With Memphis, Z-Bo has tried no more than 52 three-pointers in a single season and has only taken more than 23 longe-range jumpers in two of his six seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. He now focuses on destroying all defenses in the paint more than ever before–at least a nightly 16-point, 10-rebound threat.

Where does Z-Bo currently rank in Portland Trail Blazer history? Here are his notable standings:

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Given some of the great players in the Trail Blazers’ record books, such as LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy, Clyde Drexler, Rasheed Wallace, Clifford Robinson, and others, Zach Randolph’s numbers are rather impressive for just six seasons of tenure while wearing the red and black stripes.

I vividly remember my first time meeting Zach Randolph. It was late in the summer season of 2009. He happened to show up to the annual Indy Pro-Am–held at IUPUI in Indianapolis. Earlier in the summer, Z-Bo had recently been traded to the Memphis Grizzlies from the Los Angeles Clippers. At this time, I was a youngster. A kid. I was surprised to see an NBA star such as Randolph come into the gym to play against some young guns that, for the most part, were still in the college ranks of their basketball careers.

Apr 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (left) and Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) battle for the ball during the third quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

On the floor in the Pro-Am, Z-Bo looked winded against the youth of Indy. He was settling for threes and he was not running back on defense very often. It was incredibly humid in the gym and we were all hot–needless to say, especially the players. Not to be too harsh on Z-Bo, it was a summer league–a Pro-Am–so there was not much of an incentive for Randolph to play at his hardest. I bring this up, though, because by the time the season began in October of 2009, Zach worked incredible hard to get into shape for the Memphis Grizzlies. He slimmed down, built extra muscle, and was prepared to put on for his new city.

Later that evening, I was able to speak postgame with Randolph. I expressed to him that I had been a fan of his game since the 2003-04 season when I first became interested in NBA basketball and that I was excited to see him suit up for the Memphis Grizzlies. I had a friend living in Portland and he was a massive Z-Bo fanatic, which I mentioned to Zach. I asked Randolph if he would graciously sign an autograph in my friend’s name as well as one for myself. He spoke about how he was going to make a quick trip to Portland before the season began and how he still had a house there. He described his love for the city, his supporters, and the team, but that he was excited for a new beginning in M-Town.

Z-Bo came to the gym that day with no gym bag, no flashy jewelry–just his hooping gear. He carried his basketball shoes in his hands, which my mother offered to hold for him while he signed autographs for me. The man would shake hands and greet all friends and fans that came up to him–all with a big smile on his face. My point? A very humble guy he was–and is–even behind the snarl that he directs toward all opponents. He was an average guy doing what he loved–playing basketball. True passion for the game has remained with Randolph no matter how tough times have been for him in his Blazer days.

My point? Z-Bo has always remained humble. No matter where he has played or how he has played, he is the same down-to-earth, gritty basketball player that he has always been. That will never change, regardless of how many more years he will continue to suit up and/or the level of success he achieves by the end of his playing career.

What changed for Zach?

Maturity. He became of age to handle the NBA lifestyle. He did not allow the lifestyle to change him, however. He is in shape, prepared for battle, and filled with determination. He never lost an ounce of excitement that he has had for the game.

But that is not all.

Apr 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) shoots the ball over Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

From hosting annual Thanksgiving turkey drives in both Memphis and in his hometown of Marion, Indiana to making the day of young fans on a regular basis, Zach Randolph gets it now. He is appreciative of what Memphis has given him–a second chance, if you will. A rejuvenation. A prime opportunity.

2014-15 has been a special season for the Memphis Grizzlies. After the addition of Jeff Green, the squad looks to be a true title contender due to additional depth. Their roster is revamped from past seasons in which the Grizz have failed to reach the NBA Finals. With a healthy roster, a Finals trip–and an NBA Championship–seems realistic for the grit-‘n’-grind Grizzlies from the Bluff City.

Zach will be going into Portland on Saturday to demonstrate his development from a whippersnapper to a franchise cornerstone. While Z-Bo respects and appreciates his supporters from Portland, he definitely has some added motivation to claw through the Blazers’ frontcourt and achieve a firm grasp on a 3-0 series lead.

Randolph’s former team stands in the way of the first of four steps to earning himself a championship ring. Could this be Z-Bo’s year?

The legend of Zach Randolph is perhaps just getting started.

Grizz Nation, hold on for the ride.

Go Grizz!

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