By: Justice Bolden
According to the Memphis Grizzlies official account, Zach Randolph’s No. 50 jersey will be retired, “never to be worn again by another member of the Memphis Grizzlies”. In doing so, Zach Randolph, now 36-years-old, will be the first player in Grizzlies franchise history to have his number retired.
Randolph recently signed a two-year $24 million deal with the Sacrmento Kings, thus ending his eight year tenure with the Grizzlies. Ironically, he is now set to join his former Grizz teammate Vince Carter after he signed a one-year $8 million deal with the Kings as well.
Picture by: Lance Murphey
Randolph better known as “Z-Bo” finished his Memphis career as the all-time leader in field goals (3,731), offensive rebounds (1,895) and defensive rebounds (3,717). He nearly scored 10,000 points in Beale Street Blue, falling just 739 points of reaching the milestone. ZBO ranks third in franchise history in total points with 9,261. Current Grizz point guard Mike Conley is first with 10,050 points, followed by current Grizzlies center and Marc Gasol who has scored 9,592 during his time as a Grizzly.
Prior to the arrival of Randolph the Grizzlies were 0-12 in three prior playoff series. Since the 2009-10 season, the Grizzlies compiled a playoff record of 29-32 during Randolph’s tenure, including their memorable 2011 upset of the #1 seeded San Antonio Spurs.
Details of when the ceremony to hang ZBO’s No. 50 have not been released, but it is sure to be at the top of the list of must-see sporting events that the Bluff City has hosted over the years.
In his first season as a full-time reserve, Randolph averaged 14 points, 8 rebounds, and nearly 2 assist per game, proving at even his age he is still quite effective whether starting or coming off of the bench.
The decision to bring Randolph off of the bench was the decision of Grizzlies head Coach David Fizdale who instead decided to go with the more versatile defensive-minded JaMychal Green.
