#TBT- Zach Randolph, PF, Memphis Grizzlies
@Hoover__26 January 21
As you know, you have to be at least 30 to be eligible for a #TBT. Some players (Monta Ellis or Lou Williams for example) are the kind of guys that you have to Google to make sure they are 30. Other guys, you can just watch them play and know that they are a throwback. Zach Randolph is the epitome of that throwback style of play. He is 34 years young, and seems to succeed on savvy and wits alone. Much like Peyton Manning, who’s arm strength isn’t quite up to par with others, Randolph is at an athletic disadvantage against pretty much anyone. I would pay to see Randolph attempt to jump over a phonebook. However, Z-Bo manages to average 14 points and 8 rebounds per game against one of the most athletic classes of big men in history. He grabbed 18 rebounds against Meyers Leonard and Mason Plumlee of Portland, while his 6’11” and 7’1” opponents combined for only 8.
Randolph isn’t seeing as many minutes as he has seen in previous years, but he is doing more than enough in those minutes to demand ownership in pretty much all leagues. He can go for a double-double on any day, and has a myriad of high and low post moves to befuddle defenders with. It truly is a tall order to defend Z-Bo, and very few have been able to neutralize his veteran cunning. This is why Randolph very rarely puts up a poor stat line. When he’s unable to succeed doing one thing, he has the awareness to work around the roadblock and try something else.
It may seem like Randolph’s averages are a tad subpar, but if you look closer, you can see a different picture. You have to remember that Randolph plays for the Grizzlies, a generally slow working team, and doesn’t play big minutes every night (not unlike most 34 year old players). If you look at his stats per 100 Possessions, Randolph averages 25 points and 14.5 rebounds (basketball-reference.com). In comparison, Draymond Green averages 20.4 and 13.3, and Marcin Gortat averages 21.2 and 10.9.
This week’s #TBT has a game that would have fit in just fine in the old days. In fact, I think perhaps George Gervin and Elvin Hayes would have even found him a little “old school”. While he may look unassuming, never sleep on Z-Bo. If you give him an inch, he can make you pay.
Randolph isn’t seeing as many minutes as he has seen in previous years, but he is doing more than enough in those minutes to demand ownership in pretty much all leagues. He can go for a double-double on any day, and has a myriad of high and low post moves to befuddle defenders with. It truly is a tall order to defend Z-Bo, and very few have been able to neutralize his veteran cunning. This is why Randolph very rarely puts up a poor stat line. When he’s unable to succeed doing one thing, he has the awareness to work around the roadblock and try something else.
It may seem like Randolph’s averages are a tad subpar, but if you look closer, you can see a different picture. You have to remember that Randolph plays for the Grizzlies, a generally slow working team, and doesn’t play big minutes every night (not unlike most 34 year old players). If you look at his stats per 100 Possessions, Randolph averages 25 points and 14.5 rebounds (basketball-reference.com). In comparison, Draymond Green averages 20.4 and 13.3, and Marcin Gortat averages 21.2 and 10.9.
This week’s #TBT has a game that would have fit in just fine in the old days. In fact, I think perhaps George Gervin and Elvin Hayes would have even found him a little “old school”. While he may look unassuming, never sleep on Z-Bo. If you give him an inch, he can make you pay.