Memphis Grizzlies player evaluation: Zach Randolph

We’re moving on down the list for our 2014-15 Memphis Grizzlies player evaluations, and Zach Randolph is next on the list. Zach Randolph had a good year for the Memphis Grizzlies, but was it overshadowed by the amazing play by Mike Conley and Marc Gasol?

At age 33, Randolph entered the season as the third scoring option for the Grizzlies. His numbers dwindled slightly, but his production was still great.  How did Z-Bo rank this season?

May 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) fight for a rebound during the third quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Statistical Overview

Games Played: 71

Points Per Game: 16.1

Assists: 2.2

Rebounds: 10.5

Minutes Per Game: 32.5

Positives

• Zach Randolph had some phenomenal games this season, and the one that stood out the most was the Grizzlies’ first win in Dallas on January 27th. Randolph finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Negatives

• Zach Randolph missed nine games during the 2014-15 regular season which proved to have a negative affect on the Grizzlies. Memphis went 4-5 in his absence, and lost a season high four consecutive games at one point.

Expert Opinion

Ben Parker – “Despite not being an all-star, Zach Randolph was worthy of making his third career all-star team last season, averaging 16.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. While Marc Gasol deservedly was viewed as this team’s anchor in the paint, he wouldn’t have been the player he was without the presence of Zach Randolph down low. Randolph was reliable and consistent all season, rarely having an off night. His consistency and ability to play in 71 of the team’s 82 regular season games makes me give Zach Randolph an A for the season.”

Christian Dudley – “Zach Randolph as been one of the key constants to the franchise’s success in recent years. He has been a true veteran leader. Despite being 33 years old, he posted a double-double with 16.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in the 2014-15 season. He has kept his knack for bullying opponents in the paint and gaining an advantage on the boards. How much longer will he be able to do this? One season? Two? Three? He has two more full seasons on the books for the Memphis Grizzlies, which will probably be not much greater–if at all–statistically than what we saw this year from Z-Bo.

What was most important in the postseason regarding Zach is that he noticeably stepped up his game when it mattered most. He brought the energy and effort. He tried to will his team to a championship. He showed true heart, too. Randolph battled a sore knee during a large portion of the season, which led him to missing some time, but he still notched the double-double in his season averages.

He was healthy for the NBA Playoffs and posted multiple 20-point games throughout two rounds. Despite his age, Z-Bo is showing that he is amongst the best in the NBA at the power forward position. Although he does not look to be as big of a force on offense as he once did (and now that #1 option belongs to Marc Gasol), he looks to shoot from midrange more than I would like for him to do. Regardless, I believe Zach Randolph deserves a solid B for the 2014-15 season. I am glad that he is a Memphis Grizzly. Grade: B.”

Nir Regev – “Z-Bo hit the tough shots in the playoffs, working his way in the post. He’s been the definition of consistent and a major cornerstone for the team. Randolph played great defense against the Trail Blazers and muscled his way to the basket in both Playoff rounds. Classic basketball, Randolph gets it done. A magician in the post, drawing fouls and demanding defensive attention. Randolph and Gasol require jump shots (preferably threes) from the perimeter to give teams an incentive not to double team on defense. It’s the one final component necessary to make the Grizzlies complete. 

The Randolph/Gasol tandem is often great enough to overcome this obstacle, but in the playoffs every loophole on the contract is exploited. Mike Conley is a calming presence on the floor and establishes ball movement if too much ISO play occurs in the post. Conley also offers his three-point shooting, opening the floor. The league has shifted heavily in favor of the three-point shot, and if the core stays intact, strong perimeter shooters (who can get their own shot anytime or automatic from the three point line) will be the final pieces to the puzzle of a Grizzlies championship. Grade: A+.“

Grade

After being under the radar for the entire 2014-15 season, Zach Randolph performed well enough to get a good grade. His knee injury hurt the Grizzlies’ early in the season, but that didn’t detract much from his overall performance.

Grade: B