Zach Randolph’s days as a starting power forward in the Association appear to be in the rearview mirror.
According to a report by Alexis Morgan of the team’s official site, Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale has informed Randolph that he will be coming off the bench during the 2016-17 season. JaMychal Green will be starting in place of Randolph, who was said to be very receptive to the news.
Coach Fizdale says he spoke to Zach Randolph and told him he would come off the bench this year. Says Z-Bo took the news very well.
— Alexis Morgan (@alexiskmorgan) October 5, 2016
JaMychal Green will start in place of Zach Randolph per Coach Fizdale.
— Alexis Morgan (@alexiskmorgan) October 5, 2016
The two-time All-Star Randolph, who posted averages of 15.3 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game in 2015-16, has been highly regarded throughout his 15-year career as one of the NBA’s top blue-collar post-up brutes. But capitulation to small-ball has become a necessary evil in a league where starting two back-to-the-basket behemoths next to each other is no longer a feasible option. It’s especially so with a player like Randolph who requires a high usage rate, is too lead-footed to defend guards on pick-and-roll switches, and doesn’t really make plays or protect the basket.
As a better floor-stretcher and ball-mover, Green will make for a strong fit alongside Marc Gasol this coming season, while the newly-signed Chandler Parsons is also a solid alternative as an undersized 4. Meanwhile, the now-35-year-old Randolph could still thrive now that he has complete freedom to munch on weaker opposing second units, which should help keep his quote game in mint condition.
