Memphis Grizzlies: What’s in Store for Life after ZBo?

Longtime franchise cornerstone Zach Randolph is out of Memphis and on his way to Sacramento. What’s in store for the Memphis Grizzlies now?

Free agency is one of the most nail-biting events in sports – behind the postseason, of course. At any moment, the trajectory of your franchise can change. A fan favorite could be moving teams. Your team may make a signing that you despite.

In the NBA, there’s a special term for breaking news called “Woj bombs.” In this event, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski breaks the hottest news in the NBA. On the fourth of July, a Woj bomb more powerful and louder than any firework erupted in Memphis:

Free agent Zach Randolph has agreed to a two-year, $24M deal with the Kings, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 4, 2017

Franchise cornerstone and two-time All-Star Zach Randolph would be moving on from Memphis to Sacramento to reunite with former coach Dave Joerger and serve as a mentor to the young Kings team. Many Memphians are heartbroken and for good reason. Before Randolph’s arrival, the Memphis Grizzlies were absolutely abysmal. There was never success, and the only glimmer of hope was in the young, unproven core (Mike Conley, OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol).

Then, Randolph entered the picture and changed everything.

On the night of the 2009 NBA draft, the Memphis Grizzlies traded away Darko Milicic for Quentin Richardson, who then was dealt for Zach Randolph.

So basically, the Grizz traded ZBo for Darko. I love talking about that.

Once he arrived, they never fell below the 40-win mark, making the playoffs in seven of his eight seasons on the team. Now, he’s moving on to a new city with better weather, younger teammates and a fatter wallet. No matter how you look at his departure, you can never ignore and minimize the impact he made in Memphis.

As both Zach Randolph and the Memphis Grizzlies are moving in a different direction, what’s in store going forward? Who steps in as the starting power forward? It may be the end of “Grit ‘n’ Grind,” but are the Grizzlies’ playoff chances over? Is it time for a rebuild?

Going {Power} Forward

Now that Zach Randolph is gone, the Memphis Grizzlies will turn their attention towards their current free agents. No one knows what’s going to happen with JaMychal Green, Tony Allen or Vince Carter. What’s important is the former.

Zach Randolph is gone, and there’s a giant hole that needs to be filled at the power forward position. Unless the Memphis Grizzlies think Ivan Rabb or Jarell Martin is ready for a starting spot next season, they have to look at re-signing JaMychal Green. He’s really the only power forward on the market that’d actually help this team. He was already inserted into the starting lineup last year, and his versatility on both sides of the court is intriguing. If they can get past this snag in negotiations, the Grizzlies won’t have to worry about going elsewhere for a Randolph replacement.

What’s Next for the Memphis Grizzlies?

Many people probably think that the playoffs are out of the question now that Zach Randolph is gone. Yes, the West is as talented as ever, but spots 5-8 are wide open.

I’m not saying that the Memphis Grizzlies are going to be the same ole team, but the playoffs are definitely not out of the question. There are plenty of teams that haven’t had any playoff experience. Those same teams also lack the continuity to succeed in an 82-game stretch.

It’s also tough to see a team led by Mike Conley and Marc Gasol missing the playoffs. Granted, their third best player hasn’t been able to stay healthy the past three years, and the fourth best guy might be Ben McLemore – an unproven, athletic wing. Who knows? Maybe, Dave Fizdale can work that Miami Heat magic where a young player breaks through to become a big-time contributor in the rotation.

One question that has pondered in everyone’s minds: Is now the time to rebuild?

I’m going to give a very hesitant “no.”

Next year is going to be very different. The Grizzlies may not have Zach Randolph or Tony Allen, but – more importantly – there will be an influx of young talent in the rotation. While that may be a rebuilding sign, they have to see what a trio of Conley, Gasol and Parsons can do. They simply tied up too much money to give up on that talented core after one season – if you count it considering Parsons’ health issues.

If the Grizzlies are rolling through next season and a playoff spot is likely, they have to keep riding the wave. On the other hand, if they’re sitting in the 10th or 11th seed and the playoffs are out of the questions, they might want to press that shiny red button.

It may not be next season, but a rebuild is coming.

Closing Remarks

Losing Zach Randolph is absolutely rough, and it should be. He did so much not just for this franchise but for the city as a whole. He became an ambassador for this city, and his style of play embodied the blue-collar mantra of Memphis. There shouldn’t be a single Grizzly to wear the number 50 for the rest of time. His statue should be out in front of the FedEx Forum next to the eventual ones of Mike Conley, Marc Gasol and Tony Allen. There might never be a more special