Ex-Forward drops honest take on Ja Morant, Grizzlies

This summer, GM Zach Kleiman has been a busy man what with his blockbuster trade to land Marcus Smart, the decision to sign-and-trade Dillon Brooks, and the subsequent addition of former first-rounder Josh Christopher along with free-agency signee Derrick Rose. Because of these moves, one Memphis Grizzlies legend is rather confident in the club heading into 2023-24.

During a Fox 13 interview at a celebratory event focused on music culture in the Bluff City, co-host and former star forward Zach Randolph shared his thoughts on the current state of Taylor Jenkins’ team and provided an honest analysis that shares a similarly upbeat tone to the franchise’s faithful followers.

“I think the Grizzlies, they’re in a great place. I think the organization, with Zach and the guys, are making great decisions bringing in [Derrick Rose], bringing in Marcus [Smart]. You know, losing Dillon [Brooks] and bringing in Marcus, it’s like a match,” Randolph said. “Just bringing in those veterans with that leadership, I think we’re heading in the right direction.”

Z-Bo would also acknowledge in the interview that he has been in touch with polarizing franchise superstar Ja Morant and provided some insight into where the guard currently is from a mental standpoint.

“I talked to Ja. He’s good,” Randolph said. “He’s in a good space right now. He’s just ready to get back out there and get with his guys, get with his teammate, and get back on the court.”

Zach Randolph spent eight of his 17 NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, boasting a career in Memphis that spanned from 2009 through 2017.

Throughout his tenure, he sported per-game averages of 16.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 47.6 percent shooting from the field while earning two All-Star nods and an All-NBA selection along the way.

With him in tow, the Grizzlies participated in seven total postseason runs, including the franchise’s lone trip to the Western Conference Finals back during the 2012-13 campaign.

With the alterations and offseason adjustments made by the front office, there are those who view this team as having a strong chance of embarking on yet another deep playoff run in 2023-24, with some such as ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne tabbing them as a legitimate threat to win it all.

Zach Randolph seems to be under the impression that they’ve set themselves up nicely for such an opportunity.

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