RealGM

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/20 ... lph-seems/

Basically to sum it up Cacciola isn't too thrill about the move for ZBo given the negative tone of the article. He even goes back as far as Randolph's early yrs as a teen with his brushes with law along with his family. Here's the deal. You can't choose your family when you come out the womb. As for the environment he was around, it takes a strong will to transcend beyond the garbage that can hold you down. Otherwise it will take a weak mind to succumb to anything. Everyone knows about Randolph's issues out the ying yang. Last I checked, Randolph was traded here for bball reasons and not for any of us to damn near execute him for having a crazy past to which he has to take responsibility and live with his actions like the rest of us. Kinda goes back to the metaphor " He who is without sin cast the first stone"

You can only hope that he will turn out to be a positive for the Grizzlies, but you just won't know until the season starts. But honestly, I said it long ago when Dennis Rodman was still playing, I don't care about what a player does off the court, it's what he does for his team on the court. Ron Artest is a prime example. Randolph has put up great stats every year he's been a pro.

SD2042 wrote:http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/jul/19/arrested-development-new-grizzly-randolph-seems/

Basically to sum it up Cacciola isn't too thrill about the move for ZBo given the negative tone of the article. He even goes back as far as Randolph's early yrs as a teen with his brushes with law along with his family. Here's the deal. You can't choose your family when you come out the womb. As for the environment he was around, it takes a strong will to transcend beyond the garbage that can hold you down. Otherwise it will take a weak mind to succumb to anything. Everyone knows about Randolph's issues out the ying yang. Last I checked, Randolph was traded here for bball reasons and not for any of us to damn near execute him for having a crazy past to which he has to take responsibility and live with his actions like the rest of us. Kinda goes back to the metaphor " He who is without sin cast the first stone"

While it's all true - and there was some cursory positive stuff from people that truly know him - that article is clearly a hatchet job that's been in the works since the deal was first announced. For casual fans that don't really follow the NBA at large and only have a passing interest in the Grizz, it did absolutely nothing to help out the organization in their eyes IMO.

As for Randolph himself, you hope that more maturity has come as he's aged; but true be told, there are still some people that remain knuckleheads even in old age - so who knows?

The one redeeming piece of info that was missing in the article: no matter what happens this upcoming season, as an enormous expiring next year - his value (and the Grizz' ability to move him for value) will significantly increase.

*Vomits*

jefe wrote:While it's all true - and there was some cursory positive stuff from people that truly know him - that article is clearly a hatchet job that's been in the works since the deal was first announced. For casual fans that don't really follow the NBA at large and only have a passing interest in the Grizz, it did absolutely nothing to help out the organization in their eyes IMO.

As for Randolph himself, you hope that more maturity has come as he's aged; but true be told, there are still some people that remain knuckleheads even in old age - so who knows?

The one redeeming piece of info that was missing in the article: no matter what happens this upcoming season, as an enormous expiring next year - his value (and the Grizz' ability to move him for value) will significantly increase.

If Randolph is smart, he needs to do what's neccessary to keep out of trouble and to keep the media from loading up their negative ammo to their guns to shoot them off with.

The only positive about the article was the negative response it has received at the CA site and the double standard that exist regarding the Tiger players mishaps and NBA players.

Z-Bo behaved when he was in NY. And this place was a circus he could have easily stepped out and did something stupid. He had to issues in NY. First was the water throwing incident. The second was when his grand mother died. He left for a few days but was spotted in a club. I think he is a good kid but has been mislead. I think his time in NY shows he has a bit more self control then many think. Keep a positive environment there. Show him support. I think he needs that to stay on the right path. I love his game. Always have. He's a better passer and defender then he ever gets credit for. Excellent hands and has range on the jumper. He's at his best when he faces the basket. He's not fast but he's very nimble. Excellent foot work with long arms allows him to get his shot off and a soft touch usually allows him to sink it. He's a great rebounder. Has a nose for the ball. Not a hustler. He lumbers around the floor it seems because he has a strange body. He's not explosive. He's not going to get dunks and put back slams. I would describe his as smooth. I used to laugh a lot watching him play because you dont expect his to be able to pull off some of the moves he attempts. But those long arms and good hands, good anticipation, and soft shot really make him what he is. There will be times when he spaces out. Jacking up jumpers maybe not chasing down a ball he should have. But his jumper is good and has range. I yell out NO NO when he jacks it up but then it hit the bottom of the net. He wont move a whole lot but his wing span and foot work allow him to cover a lot of ground with minimal movement. Defense is not as bad as they make it when you see him everyday. He stays infront of his man for the same reasons he can cover a lot of ground with minimal movement. And that strange body he has (long and chunky) makes him hard to get by. He no stopper. And no shot blocker. But he is not the liability on defense he is made out to be. Also they say he never passes. Not true. He used to hit curry all the time but curry never caught it. He hits open wings. Tends to over dribble and turn into the double team. His hands help get him out of this trouble but kind of ruins the play because it draws attention. He is good for 20-10 every night. He will get it and sometimes it feels like he's not there. Other times he gets it and makes a impact. Not a game changer but can get hot and make a impact. Sorry to write so much I got lost in myself. Keep it positive. You should like Z-Bo

I wanted to add one last thing. He showed a remarkable improvement under Coach Mike D. Borderline all star for us in that few months when coach took over. So he can be coached and he can play at a higher level.

Thanks for the feedback Kane - nice to get an outsider's perspective, and something positive at that. I'm still not holding my breath, but hey - Z'Bo's our guy now.

SD2042 wrote:

jefe wrote:While it's all true - and there was some cursory positive stuff from people that truly know him - that article is clearly a hatchet job that's been in the works since the deal was first announced. For casual fans that don't really follow the NBA at large and only have a passing interest in the Grizz, it did absolutely nothing to help out the organization in their eyes IMO.

As for Randolph himself, you hope that more maturity has come as he's aged; but true be told, there are still some people that remain knuckleheads even in old age - so who knows?

The one redeeming piece of info that was missing in the article: no matter what happens this upcoming season, as an enormous expiring next year - his value (and the Grizz' ability to move him for value) will significantly increase.

If Randolph is smart, he needs to do what's neccessary to keep out of trouble and to keep the media from loading up their negative ammo to their guns to shoot them off with.

True. That is where Hollins comes into the picture. On day one, Hollins has to walk up to Zbo, look him dead in the eye, and tell him to get/keep his **** together or else he'll "Antoine Walker him" - i.e. bury him on the bench, refuse a buyout, and ensure his career is effectively over.

Randolph is a black hole the likes you will never see again. If you guys don't win, God help the team because Zach will worry about Zach. Although there were no public events, NY management was worried because Zach walks the fine line and loves to party. He also plays no defense. I wish you guys luck with him. He will get numbers.

If you knew Zbo, like I know Zbo...... well, you'd know that where Zbo goes, trouble follows.

Call that article a hatchet job if you will. Be an apologist for him if you will. But that article was all true. Zbo has written his own history. When he was with Portland he told ESPN he didn't consider himself a Blazer, he considered himself a "Gangsta".

Good luck with him. You'll need it.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/jul/21/memphis-grizzlies-zach-randolph-wants-start-whole-/

It's only a press conference, but he said all the right things. If he's truly motivate and stays focused throughout the season, then I think he and the Grizz will surprise some poeple - but that's two huge "ifs"