Memphis Grizzlies Hot Takes: Is team better without Tony Allen and Zach Randolph
Buy
If this hot take was “The Grizzlies are better than they ever were with Tony Allen and Zach Randolph,” I’ll be leaning towards selling it. However, if the Grizzlies had them this year, they wouldn’t be near as good.
They have unique skill-sets that are elite for the specific category, but their liabilities amplified as they became older. This year’s team just feels different.
Zach Randolph was great in the second unit last season, but he got abused in pick-and-roll defense. On offense, he scored the ball well, but it was basically “ZBo-or-bust” — which led to him holding the ball in the post for an excessive period of time. With this second-unit offense, it’s more fluid, and there’s more ball-movement — with the exception of Tyreke isolation plays. (It also helps when they have four playmakers and a rim-protector on the court instead of a 35-year old center and a 40-year old wing).
Tony Allen’s defense is great, but he gambles a lot and can’t shoot at all. This year’s team has players who can score the ball at a high rate as well as play good, smart defense.
Finding capable replacements and a good supporting cast was a concern prior to the season, but the bench has helped solve that issue. Tyreke Evans and Mario Chalmers have proven themselves as reliable veteran presences who can score and run the offense — which gives Conley much-needed space. Chandler Parsons has showed signs of returning to at least 75 percent of his peak. Dillon Brooks and James Ennis have also stepped up as solid two-way players.
I’m not trying to take away from their impact on the Grizzlies and in Memphis by any means, but it was time to let go. — Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA).
Next: Is this Grizz team the best version of Grit n Grind?
What are your thoughts on this statement? Are you buying or selling this hot take?