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NBA: 10 Opening Week Overreactions That Might Be Legitimate

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after defeating the Phoenix Suns 113-110 in overtime at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after defeating the Phoenix Suns 113-110 in overtime at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) drives against Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Washington 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Zach Randolph Will Win Sixth Man Of The Year

Four games is a tiny sample size to draw from, but based on what we’ve seen from Zach Randolph in his full-time bench role, this is one overreaction that could prove to be legitimate as the season wears on.

There are plenty of quality candidates who will be in the running for this award by season’s end, including Enes Kanter, Greg Monroe, Jordan Clarkson, Brandon Knight and many more. So far though, we can’t overlook Z-Bo ranking fifth in scoring and fifth in rebounding among all bench players.

Related Story: Ranking The Top 10 NBA Power Forwards In 2016-17

Unlike a few of the players ahead of him in each category, however, Z-Bo’s current numbers — 14.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game — feel sustainable. His 40 percent shooting from deep may not last, but Randolph is definitely a guy who can check in for the Memphis Grizzlies and put up a near double-double in limited minutes.

The best part about all this? Randolph’s switch to bench duty — after briefly playing the role of sixth man last season — was highly publicized and praised. Z-Bo is a big enough name with the narrative staying power to stand out on the Sixth Man of the Year ballot — provided he can just stay healthy, that is.