to a fair 4-year $105 million contract, and Ja Morant will almost surely sign a rookie max extension when the time comes this summer. They’ve already re-signed Jaren Jackson Jr. Thankfully, the organization has already laid that groundwork. It isn’t for show - it cannot be a bluff. But beyond that, they have to make it clear that the attention the players receive isn’t superfluous. One sure-fire way to do that is show them love - like the Grizzlies did to Zach Randolph, who they acquired via trade in 2009 and kept in Memphis for almost a decade. You need to find ways to differentiate yourself to make your young talent that you’ve been fortunate enough to acquire want to stay beyond their second contracts. The nightlife of Memphis, while fun, is not going to attract those that seek out that style of living (you know, most young, rich people) on a consistent basis the way Miami or similar spots would.
The city of Memphis does not have the benefit of coastal living - gorgeous weather, major cities with multi-million (or perhaps even billion) dollar deals for players and “brands” are largely out of reach. And the Memphis Grizzlies get that.and that is why they will achieve those loftier goals in the years ahead. But that mattered not to those that celebrated Zach for all he was to the city - and all that he still is. They got swept in the Western Conference Finals - that was their peak in terms of winning. Zach Randolph proved that, as did the rest of the crew that made the Core Four run so special. The goal is a championship, to be sure, but the team means more in Memphis than just a ring. But what makes this time so important for the Grizzlies franchise as they evolve and enter a new era is the organization’s desires for something more matching those of their players.
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He also said it motivates him, because he wants his jersey in the rafters with his- Grizzly Bear Blues December 12, 2021Īny player worth their salt as a professional has similar aspirations. And they want to continue his work - perhaps to earn their own place in the rafters some day.ĭillon Brooks said the ZBo retirement ceremony was special, with ZBo’s impact on the city and this franchise. The Memphis Grizzlies of the moment understand what Randolph meant to the franchise. But beyond the well-deserved honor, something stood out in terms of the praise heaped on Z-Bo from Grizzlies past. That’s been explained here and here at GBB. It of course was fitting that Zach’s #50 is the first retired number in franchise history. Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images But the culmination of the wonderful night was the unveiling of the retirement plaque, the first of several in the years to come. Zach Randolph was the main character of that chapter of this Memphis story that would fit nicely on the silver screen, with others from that time appearing both in person (Marc Gasol and Lionel Hollins were two of many in attendance) and via pre-recorded video (Mike Conley, Tony Allen, Rudy Gay, and several others). It was a fitting end to a remarkable evening - one filled with nostalgia for the greatest period of success for the Memphis Grizzlies franchise to date.
recipient of the Kia NBA Cares Community Assist Award for April 2012 in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work.At the end of the Zach Randolph Jersey Retirement ceremony, which came after a 113-106 victory over the Houston Rockets, the number 50 was unveiled at the top of FedExForum. helped guide Team USA to its first gold medal in the event since 1994. captured the gold medal with Team USA at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, averaging 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.00 steals in 13.4 minutes in nine games. averaged 6.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists in 13.9 minutes innine games off the bench for the USA squad that won a second consecutive FIBA World Cup gold medal in Madrid, Spain. member of the 2014-16 USA Men’s National Team pool.
holds career postseason averages of 14.3points, 6.5rebounds, 1.7assists and 1.05steals in 32.5minutes in 19playoff games. has appeared in 879career games, averaging 17.6points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.26steals and 34.0minutes. named to the 2006-07 All-Rookie First Team.
one of twoplayers in the NBA, along with LeBron James, to record at least 15,000 points, 5,000 rebounds,1,000 steals and 500 blocks since 2006 (year he was drafted). signed with the Spurs on 7/6/17 and again on 7/8/19. originally drafted by Houston in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft (8th overall) before being dealt to Memphis on 7/12/06. has also spent time with the Grizzlies, Raptors and Kings. In his 14th season, his secondwith the Spurs.