Memphis Grizzlies: Will the culture return?
The Memphis Grizzlies had one of the worst seasons in the NBA last season after parting ways with two of their core four. Tony Allen and Zach Randolph both went their separate ways last off-season. Could a return be on the horizon this off-season?
As tight as the Memphis Grizzlies salary cap is this off-season, a reunion of the core four could happen. Several things would have to take place, but it has been brought up several times over the last week.
It has been discussed by Peter Edmiston of the Commercial Appeal on “The Outsiders,” with Anthony Sain and Cam Rose in their two hour episode.
With Randolph in Sacramento playing with the Kings, entering the second year of his two year 24 million dollar contract, I’m sure you’re wondering how the Grizzlies get it done this off season? A few things have to work, but with the Sacramento Kings picking at number two in the 2018 NBA draft, the Kings could pick up their future big man. At number two, the Kings have a handful of talent to choose from, and have been known for going after big men in the first round.
The Kings could choose a guy like Marvin Bagley out of Duke to replace Randolph on their roster. Just using Bagley as an example could force the Kings to buy Randolph’s contract out, which would make him a free agent.
It all sounds good, but would Randolph come back to the 901 for less money and a smaller role? To establish that culture that made Memphis “Grind City?”
With former Grizzlies guard Tony Allen, it is a lot more simple. Allen is a free agent, and has been showing out on NBA TV and TNT’s “KG Area 21” show during this years playoffs. Giving great insight is fun and all, but it would be fun to see Allen finish in Memphis. Would he be a huge role player? No, but just his presence on the bench, and throwing him on the opposing teams best player to cause chaos wouldn’t hurt.
However, there is a catch. If all of this worked out, and these two guys ended up back in Memphis, you’re no longer playing for a deep playoff run. Instead, you’re playing for possibly an eighth seed, and bringing guys in for the future. Having success, but not dropping too far in the draft for the next year or so.
Does it make you want to go back? Having a top four pick this season, and basically giving up on the the two you rode with in Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, do the Grizzlies make that move? It sounds great in theory, but I think there is a better chance having one back would be the best bet.
Allen is a free agent, and isn’t afraid of establishing the “culture” he and Randolph brought to Memphis nine years ago. Easier chance he comes back due to lack of a contract, and lets be honest, Allen is just Memphis as… Well you know the rest.
June 21st would give us the answer about Randolph, when the Kings are on the clock and who they were to select with the number two pick. If the Kings take a big, and buy Randolph’s contract out, I have no doubt that Randolph gets a phone call from General Manager Chris Wallace.