Memphis Grizzlies Roundtable: FA Predictions on Zach Randolph
By Jerrod Smith
The Memphis Grizzlies have some tough decisions this offseason. Will they try to run it back with Zach Randolph one last time, or look toward the future?
This offseason may be the toughest one in years for the Memphis Grizzlies. The Chandler Parsons experiment didn’t work out last year at all. Now with little cap space and four rotation players on the market, the Grizzlies have some big time decisions to make. David Fizdale wants to push for a more modern offense of pace and space. They may want to move on from ZBO.
Zach Randolph did finish fourth in this year’s Sixth Man of the Year award, still proving he has some worth. But the Grizzlies still need a playmaker behind Conley and someone to back up Parsons. With little cap space, if Chris Wallace is looking to bring ZBp back, it needs to be for the right price.
Will they decide to keep Zach Randolph and their “Grit N’ Grind” identity? Or move on and proceed to the future?
Randolph signs a one-year deal with the Warriors
The Memphis Grizzlies are in a crossroads where they have to decide between “business” and “sentiment.” For Zach Randolph, his sights have to be set on either the big bucks or a championship ring. Ian Clark, Andre Iguodala, Zaza Pachulia, Javale McGee, David West and Shaun Livingston are all entering free agency for the Warriors. With that being said, their bench will look completely different. Don’t be surprised if the defending champs try to help Randolph win his first ring.– Parker Fleming
Related Story: 5 Best Landing Spots for ZBo
Zach Randolph remains in Memphis
Jamychal Green will more than likely leave in free agency. This will leave room for the Grizzlies to sign Randolph. Zach rejuvenated his career in Memphis, so it’ll be hard for him to leave – as long as he isn’t offered the bare minimum.
For those arguing that the Grizzlies need to move on from Randolph to officially end the “Grit N’ Grind” era, let’s look at Zach from a statistical standpoint. In the 2016-2017 season, Randolph averaged 14.1 PPG, 8. 2RPG and 1.8 APG while coming off the bench. In his new role, Zach Randolph finished fourth in the Sixth Man of the Year race. He may have won the award, but he most certainly thrived as a sixth man with the Grizzlies. — Mark Krebs
Stays in Memphis for the right price
There have been rumors of the Warriors pursuing ZBo in free agency this summer. Here’s my question though: Does he really fit their system?
The Warriors are “light years” ahead of the NBA, and it’s hard for me to see ZBO fitting in their run-and-gun system. The Warriors are pushing up the floor and looking to get a shot off as quick as possible. That’s not what ZBo was made to do.
It’s all about the price though. If the Grizzlies decide to sign him, do a two-year deal with a player option on the second. — Jerrod Smith
He’ll be put in a museum
Lets face it, Zach Randolph is a dinosaur. He doesn’t offer much aside from a few points here and there, even being a liability on defense. He should just go to the Warriors so he can be useful again, but chances are, if Chris Wallace has anything to say about it, he stays in Memphis. You know that man loves his veterans.
When I say museum, I mean he’ll go to a team that he serves no actual purpose on. But, he will be able to showcase his abilities as best as he can. His minutes are going to slowly come down, and I don’t know if Memphis can continue to push forward with the core they have. With Randolph as a main part of that core, it’s time to break up the band and that means sending away the old guys.
Watch. It won’t happen. — Jake Finnen
Next: Zach Randolph: To Stay or To Go?
Comment your thoughts on what happens with Mr. “Fifty for the City,” Zach Randolph. Does he walk to a contender? Go where the money is? Or, stay at home – in Memphis?