So, what is it about Zack Randolph?

[JCSunsfan]

The guy has been putting really good numbers for years now, yet has bounced like a hot potato from team to team. Up until now, he has not seemed to be a well-respected player, but I am not sure exactly why.

What's the story?

 

[TJ]

The guy has been putting really good numbers for years now, yet has bounced like a hot potato from team to team. Up until now, he has not seemed to be a well-respected player, but I am not sure exactly why.

What's the story?

Poor team player for many years with off the court problems. When he was first with the Blazers, he punched a teammate in the eye. He was one of the most selfish, uncoachable players in the league. He was part of the infamous "Jail Blazer" era

Been busted for drugs and drunk driving.

Apparently, the trade to Memphis has humbled him a bit as he has become a much better player, teammate and person.

 

[DaFlogger]

He finally grew up.

 

[Matt L]

I think part of the reason he is so effective is that the league has gone to a run and gun type game. There aren't many power forwards left who can bang with him and he is too quick for the centers who try to D him up.

Tim Duncan would have been effective in his younger days, but now Z-Bo was too much for him.

 

[AsUdUdE]

Everytime I think of Zach Randolph I remember this quote:


from Zach Randolph’s high school coach: “I just don’t want the day to come where I pick up that paper and it says [Zach] shot someone, or that he was shot. Every day that goes by that I don’t see that, I feel good.”

 

[WarnerHOF]

Because of stuff like this.

 

[chickenhead]

He's actually a great example for why players keep getting more chances. Coaches have seen the ability and are convinced someone is going to finally harness it. In his case, I don't think playing with such dysfunctional organizations like Jailblazer-era Portland and the Knicks helped much. Not to give him an excuse, it was just a bad recipe.

 

[AzStevenCal]

He's actually a great example for why players keep getting more chances. Coaches have seen the ability and are convinced someone is going to finally harness it. In his case, I don't think playing with such dysfunctional organizations like Jailblazer-era Portland and the Knicks helped much. Not to give him an excuse, it was just a bad recipe.

He was always a problem though even before he was drafted. He's still a black hole but he'll at least occasionally pass nowadays. Hollins has done a great job with him and the team in general. I never understood why Vancouver let him go in the first place.

Steve

 

[Irish]

I don't see much else that needs to be said. He was very immature and failed as a "leader" when he had to carry the team. This is a vastly better collection of players and they are finding a way to use him without betting burned.

 

[Russ Smith]

If you know about his childhood how he grew up etc it's not a surprise. he came out too early got the money and couldn't handle it.

he finally got a situation where he realized this is my last chance, and he capitalized on it. took him a long time and a lot of mistakes to get there, but he finally figured it out and now he's a terrific low post player.