Memphis Grizzlies Hot Takes: Is team better without Tony Allen and Zach Randolph

The Memphis Grizzlies have gotten off to a nice start thus far. After a busy offseason, does it look like a wise move to let go of “Core Four” era?

Let’s cut to the chase. A lot of people reading this will be unhappy, and for fair reason. Zach Randolph and Tony Allen were folk legends for the Memphis Grizzlies and the city itself.

Because of these two players, they dragged the Grizzlies out of the never-ending lottery cycle and carried them to playoff status. Granted, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley certainly helped the Grizzlies immensely in this seven-year playoff run. However, the culture changed when Zach Randolph and Tony Allen came to town.

Both players brought a special skillset to the table. Zach Randolph became a legitimate go-to scorer, as he was a 20-10 threat every night and was a two-time All-Star. Tony Allen simply changed the game with his intangibles and defense. For every missed layup, there was a killer defensive showing. For every dribble off his shoe, he made up for it with a diving hustle play to ignite a fast break.

However, as the saying goes, “all good things come to an end.” This is simply what the hot take means.

While they brought so much to the table — on and off the court — it was time for change.

So far this season, the Grizzlies look better than last year. Their offense flows, as there’s more passing, 3-point shooting and off-ball movement. In addition, they’ve maintained a solid, switch-heavy defense.

Randolph and Allen were key components to the Grizzlies’ success, but they might not be good fits for the current direction and makeup of this team.

Are you going to buy or sell this hot take? See what our writers say.