Beale Street Bears
Fansided

Greatest Memphis Grizzlies Of All-Time: Zach Randolph

By Brendan Smart

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 23: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies hi-fives the fans after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2011 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 23: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies hi-fives the fans after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2011 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Coming in at number three on our “Greatest Memphis Grizzlies of All-Time” list is someone that represented the city of Memphis arguably better than anyone to date.

Arguably one of the greatest Memphis Grizzlies not only on the floor but off the floor, Zach Randolph comes in at number three in our ‘Greatest Memphis Grizzlies of All-Time’ list.

Similar to Tony Allen, Randolph’s number 50, too, will be hanging in the rafters of FedEx Forum where he recreated his career. Randolph’s jersey will hang up there every night to show the next generation that it is bigger than “self.”

The backbone to the “Core Four” in Memphis throughout their seven-year playoff run, Randolph was unstoppable for smaller post defenders. Never the highest jumper, never the most athletic, but he just wanted it more than anyone else that night.

Zach Randolph was another product of the effect Memphis has on athletes looking for a home. Z-Bo had all of the talent in the world for a big man, but could never stay on a team. Once Randolph signed with Memphis in the 2009 offseason, he found his new home, while propelling the Grizzlies.

Not only did Randolph push the Memphis Grizzlies over the top in many ways, he rejuvenated his NBA career. Being a player with the look of someone you did not want to meet in a dark alley lived up to the stereotype before signing with the Grizzlies. In Memphis, the NBA finally saw Zach Randolph for who he really was — a nightmare for his opponent by night, and giving back to the community by day.

MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 25: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies paints during the Grizzlies Day of Service as part of NBA Cares week on October 25, 2014 at Lester Community Center in Memphis, Tennessee.
MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 25: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies paints during the Grizzlies Day of Service as part of NBA Cares week on October 25, 2014 at Lester Community Center in Memphis, Tennessee. /

It was Zach Randolph who was taking care of over 100 Memphis families and their electric bills for years, and not just donating the money, but going to check on a handful in-person. He was the one that a lot of those families hugged to relieve some built-up stress. Zach knew firsthand what these families were going through.

“Coming from single parent home, mom was on welfare, struggled myself so I know what it’s like,’ Randolph said during his interview with Slam Magazine.

More from Grizzlies All-Time Lists

Memphis’ Son

The story of Zach Randolph and Memphis could go like a mother and a son. Watching Randolph grow, seeing what makes Memphis so amazing, and then telling the world that he loves this city, and that we love him back. It is a sports fairytale that we will all tell our grandchildren, and they will tell theirs about.

Randolph is a Memphis sports superhero. He had an unbelievable impact on so many Memphians that it would be a disrespect to Zach if I put it in words. The Sacramento Kings put together a montage of his return to Memphis early last season, and well, I will let the video do the talking.

For Zach Randolph and his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, he might be the first athlete to have his off-court success overwhelm his on-court success, and that is beautiful to see. He is a player that had been through so much, found in the city of hard work and blue collar. A smile that was never fake, but one that warmed the hearts of thousands of Grizzlies fans is number 50. Bigger than basketball is a major reason why “50 from the city” lands at number three in our Greatest all-time Grizzlies rankings.

Home/Grizzlies All-Time Lists