The Memphis Grizzlies need to face it: Zach Randolph may be their star player and not Rudy Gay. Randolph is able to give the Grizzlies a 20-point, 13-rebound performance any given night. He is the big reason why Memphis could be on their way to the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
Randolph did not make the All-Star team this year, which is probably one of the biggest snubs I have ever seen. Randolph is on the final year of his contract, and after solid play for the Grizzlies, they need to re-sign him. Word on the street is that Randolph is reportedly receiving a four-year extension right now.
"I'm glad they're working on it," Grizzlies' head coach, Lionel Hollins told The Commercial-Appeal. "There would be a big, gaping hole if he wasn't here. I'm sure he's going to be here, and it's going to be a nice foundation to build around."
With a deal done, Memphis would have Rudy Gay, Michael Conley, and Randolph under contract for the next couple of years. But that does mean that Memphis may not be able to have Marc Gasol on the team anymore, which brings a huge question: who should Memphis keep? Gasol or Randolph?
Randolph is currently making $17.3 million this season and, like I said before, is the only reason Memphis currently holds one of the top eight seeds in the Western Conference. When Randolph was first signed, he was a laughingstock, but quietly turned his game and attitude around.
He is easily one of the top big men in the game, even despite not being the ideal size for a power forward. Randolph has a lot of potential in him, and is a veteran player that will help lead Memphis to success along with the other key players in the core of Conley and Gay.
I knew Randolph was good from the start. When I first heard of Z-Bo was about four years ago. You see, I became a sports fan when I was eight, and it's a long story from there. But anyways, about three years ago or so, my school counselor told me about a time when he played high school basketball. One of his most well-known memories was being dunked on by Randolph. He said he was a such a great player.
And I can see why from the way the man has been playing right now. Memphis can not afford to lose him into free agency. They have to sign him if it means anything. They have to do everything to keep Randolph. Losing Gasol won't be as bad as losing Randolph. The big man is only averaging 11.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, which doesn't really help as much as Randolph contributes to the team.
As a Grizzlies' fan, it would be very disheartening to lose out on a guy like Z-Bo. Memphis needs to get the deal done and get Randolph before it's too late and are back to the bottom of the West.
