KJG Top 30: Zach Randolph’s Top 10 Games of 2012-2013
By Chris Philip
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Game 16: Phoenix Suns 98, Memphis Grizzlies 108
Highlights: hop step dunk, shimmy hook, put back “Z-bound” of own missed reverse lay-up, post spin fadeaway, freed pinned hand and finished off Mike Conley dump-off, transition lay-up, put back missed Mike Conley free throw, step-back fadeaway buzzer-beater
Game Score: 37.3
Box Score: 38 points (15-22 field goals, 8-8 free throws), 22 rebounds (7 offensive), 3 turnovers, 1 steal, 3 blocks (2 fouls) in 44 minutes (+16)
Story: Randolph grabbed nearly a third of all rebounds while he was on the court, had a True Shooting percentage of nearly 75% and the Grizzlies net rating with him on the floor was 53 (148 Offensive Rating/95 Defensive Rating). Randolph even blocked three shots, which is absurd for a slow, small guy who can’t jump. What more could he do?
Zach Randolph is 32 years old and while he isn’t getting worse he won’t get better. The Grizzlies are already decentralizing the offense to compensate, shifting the burden to the younger Marc Gasol and Mike Conley. Still, Randolph will always have a wide body, great hands and a tenacious disposition that wears opponents down. Even though the Grizzlies aren’t “his” team anymore, Randolph is still a luxurious safety valve as the Grizzly best suited to creating his own shot. Randolph’s emotional leadership and adoption by the city of Memphis are timeless whether or not he makes the Top 30 next season.