Le Basketbawl

There is no doubt about the ability of Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Randolph; the question is can he conduct himself like a man. So far in his NBA career the man nicknamed “Z-BO” has been a problem child for each of his teams he has been on. The “Memphis Commercial-Appeal” is reporting that his new club the Memphis Grizzlies will see a new maturity in Randolph who heads in his ninth season in the league this week.

According to the paper the Grizzlies coaching staff is hoping that Randolph will assume a leadership role on the club. It was not a role that he played with the Portland Trail Blazers, New York Vinnie’s Boys the Knicks or the Los Angeles Clippers. Stats wise Randolph had a great year last season as he averaged 20.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Yet despite those stellar numbers two of the worst teams in the NBA the Knicks and the Clippers decided he was expendable. That pretty much tells you all you need to know.

Grizzlies assistant coach Damon Stoudamire told reporters that Memphis has high expectations for Randolph this season. Especially with veteran guard Allen Iverson starting the season on the injured list. Stoudamire said “”And as long as A.I. is injured, Zach is the leader of this team. He’s going to have to teach these guys the things that we taught him when we went to the playoffs in Portland. A lot of the things Zach gets a bad rap for haven’t been basketball related. In terms of wanting to win, wanting to be successful and wanting to be a good teammate, Zach’s always displayed that. Regardless of what people will say, it’s hard to get 20 and 10 in this league. The numbers are there. Now we have to get him to do the other things. He might have to dive on the floor. He might have to stop his guy. Those are areas where he’s got to make the sacrifice.”

That however is not the game that Randolph has played in his NBA career; can he become that kind of player for Memphis? “Z-Bo” told reporters “My basketball takes care of itself as long as I work hard. I know I’m going to score. That’s just one of the things I do best. Some people block shots better. Some people shoot 3-pointers better. Some people jump better. I know I can score so I can focus on playing better defense and do other things.”

New York Vinnie believes that offense comes from talent but defense comes from desire. You need skills to put the ball in the bucket but you only need the right attitude to play strong defense. We shall soon find out if Randolph will take his leadership role with the Grizzlies seriously or not.