RealGM

http://www.memphisflyer.com/BeyondtheAr ... falls#more

More good news was delivered on Zach Randolph's status Monday as the Commercial Appeal reported that Randolph's latest MRI showed more healing and that Randolph would soon begin on-court (non-contact) drills. Randolph seems on pace for an early-to-mid-March return, with the CA speculating about him playing his first game on March 7th at Golden State, a game that would be preceded by three off days, allowing maximum practice time before his debut. If he's ready by then, that would make a lot of sense.

Dude, if he comes back strong and we can rely on Speights to do a decent job of what he's been doing (a little shooting from 17, solid boarding and a nice presence down low) we will be a force in the playoffs. Assuming everyone stays healthy.

Should return soon after all-star weekend, his first contact practice with team will be the Monday after the break......

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/20 ... s-past-76/

mid-post wrote:Dude, if he comes back strong and we can rely on Speights to do a decent job of what he's been doing (a little shooting from 17, solid boarding and a nice presence down low) we will be a force in the playoffs. Assuming everyone stays healthy.

Word!

No matter how well his rehab is progressing, a big man like Randolph is going to take time to round into game condition. Having Speights continue with his role while slowly getting Randolph into the games is the best route in my opinion.

But if Zach comes around healthy and gets in game shape by the third week in March it will give the Grizzlies a huge boost with momentum going into the playoff stretch. Being able then to insert Speights into a dual role giving both Gasol and Randolph breathers should be very valueable by the regular seasons end.

Downtown, you are 100% right. Look how hard it is for players who sit out a year or two to come back and get into game shape. After an injury, it is similarly difficult to perform up to a certain level, especially when this serious injury happened earlier in the year.

By the way jman, I'm glad you have Michael Dickerson in your photos. I got to meet him a few times here in Vancouver through a mutual friend and thought he was a very down to earth guy. It was a darn shame about his career ending injury.

Still not cleared for contact yet.....

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/20 ... -randolph/

Michael Dickerson is my alltime favorite Grizzlies player for reference. Made some attempts at a comeback. (may still be, at least I think he was in 2011) I think he played in Spain after he couldn't secure an NBA roster spot. Wish he could have been productive following his injury. Such a shame. And you know the guy loves basketball because he keeps trying to make it back.

I can't find a link, but my cbssports fantasy league news is citing the CA for a report that Randolph played in a full-contact scrimmage Monday 3/5

Still making progress, but according to Gary Darby he is on the current road trip but won't play.

Per Tillery, Zbo's return is "imminent" and he's been rounding into form during full-contact practices.

http://blogs.commercialappeal.com/the_memphis_edge/2012/03/practice-time-translates-well-griz.html