| Randolph Trade...a Take From His Perspective |
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| Written by Zack Lawrence |
| Wednesday, 01 July 2009 22:51 |
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The Griz traded for Zach Randolph. Most Griz fans are not happy, even a portion of the fans that remained upbeat after the Thabeet draft pick. Chris Vernon again has reminded fans of Heisley's primary priorities. Chris Herrington wrote the longest quick take ever, and when I got to the end, I wished was longer. Kevin Arnovitz says the Clippers found a willing sucker. And Matt Moore says that the Clippers have passed the torch over to the Grizzlies as the "worst franchise in the NBA" while the Griz front office continued the war on fans. I'm going to quickly analyze this trade from Randolph's perspective. Follow me below the fold for stories about Z-Bo and Memphis and why I think he is satisfied with this trade. I can't think of a more perfect situation for Z-Bo in the NBA. I have to assume he must be one of the happiest millionaires in America right now. Z-Bo's agent has indicated in the CA that he is indeed happy with the trade. Randolph's Connection to Memphis? I have been told that Z-Bo likes Memphis, has friends in Memphis, and occasionally visits during the offseason. Herrington suggests that he has family in Memphis. I was told that years ago Z-Bo was in Memphis for a game and went to get his haircut. He liked the barber so much, he started flying that Memphis barber to NY every other week to cut his hair. I haven't went out and verify that information, but I believe the guy that told me. I was also told that the Memphis barber was even invited to the Randolph family reunion in Indiana to cut the whole family's hair one summer (and that story also involved a run-in with the law in Illinois, but I digress). My point is I think Z-Bo likes Memphis. How many free agents can you say with a straight face would actually like Memphis? And this will save Z-Bo from buying a plane ticket every other week for his barber(s). That savings will add up, even for a millionaire. No Previous Starting Power Forward Memphis has to be one of the few NBA teams, if not the only NBA team, without an entrenched starting power forward. Z-Bo gets to come in an immediately have a spot for him in the starting lineup without any drama involved. Furthermore, he is going to a team that has no offensive identity. He can do whatever he wants and it won't be messing up the team. The team is already a mess on offense (and defense, to be fair). However Z-Bo plays it will be hard for someone to argue he is killing the team's system. No Pressure to Win How many other teams in the league have less pressure on them to win than the Grizzlies? The Kings, maybe. Although most Griz fans and pundits say they need to show improvement this year, most of those people would probably classify 30 wins as improvement. That lack of pressure to win should feel good to Z-Bo. I know most people around the country didn't expect the Clips to win last year, but internally the expectation had to be high after signing Baron Davis and trading for Marcus Camby in addition to Zach Randolph. That won't be the case here. In fact, I am nearly convinced that Heisley wants to be in the lottery until he lands his LeBron-type 5-star prospect. Losing is just fine in Memphis next year. Fleeing the LA Media and the Spotlight on Griffin If Z-Bo stayed in LA, he would likely have to answer questions about Blake Griffin everyday. I can just imagine he wouldn't enjoy that. Would you want to keep talking about the whiz-kid brought in to take your job from you? This reason should be obvious to most. Mighty Mouse? Herrington brings up a good point about the presence of Damon Staudemire on the coaching staff. They know each other well, presumably. I think it is reasonable to assume that Z-Bo would enjoy playing for Damon. Damon is going to know how to interact with Z-Bo, something that our young guys probably won't know how to do. Z-Bo is going to have an ally on the coaching staff that will - along as Z-Bo plays hard - stick up for him. Presumably. But I still like the angle of Z-Bo and Damon being close and that making it more comfortable for him. So, you add it all up.....the possible family/friends in Memphis, barber being from Memphis, hole in the starting lineup at PF, no established system to mess up, no pressure to win, getting away from LA and Blake Griffin, having a former teammate and friend as an assistant coach, and the best dry-rub ribs in the country......and it makes sense that Zach Randolph is quite pleased with this trade and change of jersey's once again. |
Comments
As for his attitude, etc, Bonzi Wells came in with a similar reputation, and while his tenure did not end well, he clearly was a very serviceable Grizzly for as long as it lasted.
Sure, this roster has holes in it, but I really like the looks of a starting lineup with Mayo, Conley, Gay, Randolph, and Gasol/Thabeet.
As for the 20-10 doesn't equal 30 argument, the same argument can be made for Pau and the Grizzlies as well. We were solidly sorry with Pau as our cornerpiece, and, besides, I don't think that we are bringing Randolph in to be our "franchise player".
If he comes here and gets his 20-10 and Rudy gets his 20-6-4, OJ his 20-4-4 and Conley 15-5-7, or in other words, he comes in and adds without to much subtraction, I think that we'll be OK.