Memphis Grizzlies: A Position-by-Position Breakdown (Power Forwards)
By Greg Chin
Zach Randolph perfectly epitomises the identity of this Memphis team: blue collar and rough around the edges, but hardworking and determined. He shook off his “Jailblazer” past and has been embraced by a city that loves and adores him.
In one of the very few offseason moves, the Grizzlies’ front office quickly went to work on an extension with Randolph. Randolph had a $16.5 million player option for the 2014-15 season, but the Grizzlies wanted to keep him beyond that. The problem was, Randolph at age 33, was entering the twilight of his career and many wondered if he could keep up his bruising game.
Both parties compromised – Randolph opted in and the front office signed him to a reduced two-year, $20 million contract.
Strengths: Low Post Bruiser, Rebounding
There has never been any question about what Randolph’s primary skill is. Using his low center of gravity and brute strength, he terrorizes opponents in the low post area. The Grizzlies build their offense around the Randolph and Marc Gasol tandem, an offense that while slow, is very effective and efficient.
There really is not much to dissect when it comes to Randolph’s low-post game. He uses his size to back opponents down in the post, and there are not many low-post defenders in the league that can match up to his bulk. He relies heavily on his size, as his athleticism and speed are almost non-existent.
At the ripe age of 33, Randolph is still adding small improvements to his game. Last season, he was relied upon consistently, especially with Gasol being out for much of the season. He saw an uptick in field goal attempts (15.2 attempts) and had the highest usage rate in the team (26.1 percent). Randolph as improved as a playmaker in the post, dishing out a career high 2.5 assists per game.
Randolph also relies on his strength to create rebounding opportunities. By using his size and bulk, he seals off opponents in rebounding areas, making it more difficult for them to grab rebounds over him. He ranked 4th in rebounding and 1st for offensive rebounding for his position, league wide.
Memphis fans should take encouragement as his rebounding numbers have remained consistent throughout his time as a Grizzly, with eight rebounds being his lowest average (when he played a career-low 28 games, only eight being starts). His rebounding numbers should even increase next year, as Gasol was out injured for most of this year.
Weakness: Lack of Counter Moves, Rim Protection
While Randolph can be an effective scorer in the post, he lacks any real counter moves aside from relying on his bulk and strength to bully opponents. This was especially apparent in the first round playoff series against Oklahoma City Thunder, where the Thunder used their length and defensive activity to bother Randolph.
Randolph needs to develop more counter moves in the post, for when relying on his brute strength is not as effective. Watching the Thunder series, I saw Randolph utilize the drop step when he wasn’t able to back his opponent down. If that didn’t work, he would face up, jab step a few times and settle for the mid-range jumper (he shot 41.2 percent in this area).
On the defensive end, Randolph shines as a post defender. He effectively uses his bulk to prevent being outmuscled in the low post. Over the years, Randolph has learned to deal more effectively against quicker and more athletic forwards. By denying quicker players post position nearer to the basket reduces the athletic advantage others have over him.
However, do not get Randolph confused as a rim protector. At 6’9 and with barely any vertical leaping ability, he is not able to block many shots. And that was more apparent last season when Gasol was out injured for 23 games. Randolph’s defensive numbers suffered during these games without an effective shot blocker behind him to deter shots.
Role and Expectation
Entering his 14th season in the league, I expect Randolph to continue starting for the Grizzlies. Even at his age, he is producing at a consistent level and averaged a double-double last season. His playing time should remain the same, but do not be surprised if coach Joerger decides to reduce it to keep him fresh for the playoffs.
His low-post game may be his strength, but if he adds further refinements and improvements during the offseason, the Grizzlies may find themselves still playing basketball in early June.