Zach Randolph Departure Initiates The Paradigm Shift in Grizzlies Future
As the epitome of grit and grind exits it signals the dawn of a new era for the Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies tasted Playoff basketball for seven straight seasons. This came after a period where the team only made the Playoffs three times in the franchise’s first 15 seasons. In those seven years, the Grizzlies established a culture throughout the league and within Memphis. While players and coaches have changed in that time, Grit & Grind became a way of life, not just an on-court style.
But that may all be over now.
On Tuesday, Zach Randolph agreed to a two-year deal with the Sacramento Kings, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Randolph found a home in Memphis and was a catalyst in Memphis’ playoff upswing. He appeared in 551 regular season games, and along with Mike Conley, Marc Gasol and Tony Allen, formed the foundation of the Grizzlies. Their success was built on effort and attitude, not flash and drama. The Memphis Grizzlies may not have been a true championship contender, but they made every team fight for every rebound, every basket, and every loose ball.
In the Grizzlies’ franchise rankings, Randolph ranks third in games played, third in points, first in rebounds, first in field goals and first in offensive rebounds. Randolph wasn’t the flashiest and far from the most exciting player, but he was consistent in his eight seasons in Memphis.
Not only was Randolph a force on the court, a nightly 20–10 machine, he was an agent of positivity off of it. He was involved in the community, frequently assisting in various charities and outreach events. In a 2012 Grantland profile on Randolph, he said “If Memphis trades me tomorrow, I’m going to be in Memphis in the summertime working out. I’m going to be in the community. I’m always going to be connected to the people.”
It was a far cry from the “Jail Blazer” reputation Randolph had earned in his first few years in the NBA. Zach Randolph was the Memphis Grizzlies. He was Memphis.
The reaction to Randolph’s departure was met with an outpouring of praise for Z-Bo. Many in Memphis and around the league reflected on how Randolph defined an era of Memphis basketball — possibly the biggest Memphis icon since Jerry “The King” Lawler (not a basketball player.) Grizzlies owner Robert Pera chose to retire Randolph’s #50, showing just how big of an impact Randolph made.
I’m not crying. I’m not.
Years from now, when basketball pundits, media personalities and robots (they probably could become our journalistic colleagues) discuss Memphis’ greatest successes, the conversations will likely start and end with Zach Randolph.
Vince Carter, another veteran piece for the Memphis Grizzlies, also signed with the Sacramento Kings. Carter, the ageless wonder that he is, was a go-to wing for the Grizzlies during the regular season with Tony Allen and Chandler Parsons both struggling with injuries. Carter’s consistent shot and playmaking ability bolstered a relatively shaky Grizzlies bench. More importantly, Carter’s veteran presence and nearly two decades of experience in the NBA provided a wealth of knowledge to the Grizzlies’ young core.
The departures of Randolph and Carter may not be the end of the paradigm shift in Memphis. Tony Allen, AKA The Grindfather is a free agent as well. The 35-year old also was a key piece of the Grit & Grind Grizzlies, providing toughness and pitbull defense on any and all challengers. While Randolph’s toughness down low was a signature of the Grizzlies’ offensive Grind, Allen’s tendency to lock down opponents exemplified Memphis’ Grit. He has been named to SIX All-Defensive teams, all with the Grizzlies.
Yahoo Sports reports that the Los Angeles Clippers could be a potential destination for Allen via sign and trade. Whether he stays or goes, Allen’s possible departure could spur (not a San Antonio pun) many more tributes from the Memphis faithful.
Enter Tyreke Evans and Ben McLemore
Memphis has shored up their depth on the wing with the singings of Ben McLemore and Tyreke Evans. McLemore was signed to a two-year, $10.7 million deal, per ESPN. Evans was signed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal. I know. Two Memphis Grizzlies went to Sacramento, and two Sacramento Kings went to Memphis. Strange!
The signings of Evans and McLemore, and the departures of Randolph, Carter and possibly Allen exemplify the direction Memphis is heading in. Memphis struggled with their wing depth, with Chandler Parsons in-and-out of the lineup with recurring injuries. In the playoffs, Memphis’ best wing may have been the veteran Carter, with James Ennis and Wayne Selden unable to match up on either end. Still, David Fizdale persisted and played a competitive series against Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs.
Here, the Grizzlies go for upside.
With the 24-year old McLemore, Memphis will try to salvage the former lottery pick’s career. McLemore’s shooting has never been a problem — it’s everything else. His defensive awareness and playmaking abilities have lagged, with the Kings deciding to go with Buddy Hield for their future. Still, McLemore may have untapped potential, and a change of scenery could unleash his abilities. McLemore may be the highest upside wing player the Grizzlies have had since Rudy Gay. (He was traded in 2013. Yeesh.) If David Fizdale is able to coax a decent effort from the guard, he will be a steal. Regardless, McLemore’s shooting will be a lift for a team that has migrated beyond the arc.
Tyreke Evans, at this point, is a known commodity. He excels at penetration and bully ball, with a shaky perimeter jumper. Hypothetically, Evans would be a decent playmaker off the bench, almost similar to Vince Carter. If Chandler Parsons’ injury woes persist, he could jump into the starting lineup if needed. The former Rookie of the Year has shot better as of late, shooting above 35% in 2015–2016 and 2016–2017. But Evans’ value has deflated due to injury concerns, specifically with a balky knee. Evans has played only 65 out of 164 games the past two seasons. Like Chandler Parsons, the Grizzlies are taking an injury risk here. But Evans is a low-risk, high-reward option for a Grizzlies squad that has had trouble bringing in talent in the Grit & Grind era.
The signings of McLemore and Evans show a shift in Memphis’ line of thinking, rather than pursuing a similar low post banger to Randolph, they went for two wings as their big free agent signings. Coach David Fizdale, seemingly, would like to build the next phase of Memphis basketball around Mike Conley. Adding a secondary ball handler in Evans, and a solid shooter in McLemore could open the floor up for Conley.
Offer Sheets and Hypotheticals
Aside from Tony Allen, Memphis’ last big free agent this summer is JaMychal Green. As per NBA.com Green is a restricted free agent, but has not received an offer sheet yet. (Hello, Brooklyn.) He’s likely to command more than $12 million on the open market. Memphis currently has $102 million of guaranteed money on their books, so they have enough cap space to match offers for Green. But with the draft selection of a low post banger in Ivan Rabb and the potential improvement of Deyonta Davis, Green could be expendable. Memphis may look to conserve their future salaries just for flexibility in the future.
There have been some rumblings on Marc Gasol, another key cog of the Grit & Grind Grizzlies. This past season, Gasol expanded his offensive game to the perimeter, stepping out to the three-point line under David Fizdale’s coaching. Gasol has been rumored to be in some trade discussions, particularly with the Boston Celtics. While those may just be rumors for now, General Manager Chris Wallace’s insistence to even entertain trade ideas may signal another piece of Memphis moving on.
The Grizzlies owe a lightly protected first round pick to the Boston Celtics in 2019. Retooling and developing players this season may be the ideal option in a loaded Western Conference. If Memphis sees improvement from Ben McLemore, Wade Baldwin and Deyonta Davis, and healthy years from Chandler Parsons and Tyreke Evans, that may be the foundation to build upon for a 2018–2019 run. Ivan Rabb and Dillon Brooks may be second-round rookies, but their hustle and grit fit right in with the Memphis style.
Grit & Grind Lives On
It seems like the Memphis Grizzlies have embraced their fate. After their second straight first round exit (and fourth in seven years), it seems like the time to retool. Both Zach Randolph and Tony Allen are 35-years old. Marc Gasol is 32. The Grizzlies’ biggest free agent signing in franchise history, Chandler Parsons, couldn’t stay on the floor. The Grizzlies are also another team in the loaded Western Conference. Re-alignment and movement to the Eastern Conference may not be plausible for next season.
This phase of Grit & Grind may be over.
Zach Randolph will play in royal purple next season. Tony Allen has struggled with injuries. Coach David Fizdale has changed the Grizzlies’ style, with the team shooting SIX HUNDRED more three-point attempts in 2016–2017 than they did in 2015–2016. Memphis basketball is now modern. (Something, something…Take that for data.)
The Memphis Grizzlies may see their identity change, but the culture of a winning basketball team has already been established. I know, seemingly every team uses the word “culture” way too often. The culture was built not by an individual, but by the team’s cohesiveness for the past seven years. It was built on the grind of Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, Tony Allen and Marc Gasol. The Memphis basketball culture is evident in Memphis not just with the players’ effort, but with how loyal Memphis’ fans are. The FedEx Forum is The Grindhouse for a reason.
The Grizzlies fanbase is as gritty and loyal as the team itself. Just look at the response to Randolph’s departure — praise and thanks. In Game 6 of the Grizzlies’ first round series with the San Antonio Spurs, the Memphis fans chanted “Let’s Go Grizzlies” in the fourth quarter as the game dwindled down. The team was down six points, with the Spurs shooting free throws. The chant wasn’t one of motivation — it was one of gratitude.
Change abounds in Memphis. Amidst Western Conference juggernauts, the Grizzlies seem like the odd team out. Rather than running it back, the Grizzlies are retooling. The signings of Ben McLemore and Tyreke Evans signal the team’s new identity. The departure of Zach Randolph may mark the end of a chapter. The Grit & Grind basketball era may be over, but the Memphis Grizzlies and the city of Memphis will continue to persist, fight and compete.
