Zach Randolph

Grizzlies players weigh in on state of franchise since team traded Rudy Gay

May 18, 2013 by Andre Johnson 1 Comment

The Grizzlies returned to work Friday afternoon for the first time since eliminating the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder and punching their ticket to the Western Conference Finals.

THE DEBATE CONTINUES — Rudy Gay (right) spent six-plus seasons in Memphis after leaving UConn in 2006. Since his trade to Toronto on January 30, there has been ongoing debates as to whether the Grizzlies have become a better team since dealing their franchise player. (Photo by Chris Evans)

Still, despite all of the hoopla and the national buzz this small-market franchise has created this postseason, it seems that one proverbial topic continues to re-surface as Memphis prepares to take on the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of their best-of-7 series Sunday at 2:30 p.m. CST in the AT&T Center.

That is, are the Grizzlies a better team since trading franchise player Rudy Gay?

“We definitely are a better team,” said Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph, who has become Memphis’ leading scorer since the team dealt Gay. “This team is more together. We understand. Our confidence is up. We play for one another, so we’re definitely a better team.”

That certainly didn’t appear to be the case after the Grizzlies, Raptors, and Pistons agreed to a six-player trade on January 30 that sent the star swingman to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Ed Davis, Austin Daye, and Tayshaun Prince.

For some, trading Gay was befitting, considering the seven-year veteran, at least at the time, wasn’t performing like a player who signed a five-year extension with Memphis worth a reported $82 million in July 2010. For others, they sensed that moving Gay after the team had gotten below the dreaded luxury tax threshold — after sending reserves Marresse Speights, Josh Selby, Wayne Ellington to Cleveland eight days earlier — wasn’t consummate, given Memphis was deemed a legitimate title contender before the start of the season.

Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins, for instance, was among those who felt team officials’ decision to trade Gay was a questionable move. And, after a January 15 shootaround in FedExForum, Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul, who’s close friends with Gay, said “the Grizzlies would be crazy” for trading the former UConn star.

What a difference three-and-half months have made.

That’s because all the new-look Grizzlies have done since Gay’s exodus was emerge as arguably the hottest and most efficient team in the NBA, let alone pose as a serious threat to dethrone the Miami Heat in the coming weeks. Add to the fact that the Grizzlies have generated the league’s third-best record (34-14) since trading Gay and ousted two title contenders (the Clippers and Thunder) in eloquent fashion, and it’s no wonder why seasoned Grizzlies such as Randolph and Mike Conley don’t shy away from weighing in on a subject they believe is an afterthought at this stage in the season.

“We’re happy to be here.” Conley said of Memphis’ historical run to the conference finals. “But we’re focused on bigger things. You’ve

Among the reasons the Grizzlies have enjoyed success since trading Gay is that veteran shooting guard Tony Allen (right) has led a Memphis team that is considered among the NBA’s best defensive squads. Allen was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive first team last week. (Photo by Justin Ford)

got to have a vision. And even with Rudy being gone, it might have altered the vision a little bit, might have been a little bit tougher on guys to do it, but the vision stays the same. I still believed (after the trade) that we had a chance. I still believed that if certain guys step up, that we could be just as good, that we could be a good team.”

While Hollins publicly acknowledged he wasn’t in favor of the Grizzlies bargaining Gay, he said among the things he appreciates mostly about his team is the camaraderie his players have established in the aftermath of the trade, a key characteristic he feels has benefited the Grizzlies immensely in the playoffs.

“Well, that’s why they pay me the big bucks,” Hollins jokingly said. “That’s the hardest part of coaching…motivating, getting them to accept their roles, getting them to play together. You do those three things and you got talent, you have a good chance of winning. It’s a difficult proposition. There’s a lot of ways to go about it. I’m not going to tell you how I go about it because it’s not good for TV.”

The Grizzlies, appearing in the conference finals for the first time since the team’s inception in 1995 (Vancouver), have certainly been must-see TV this postseason, a trend this town has relished since Gay — whom many labeled an ambassador for the city of Memphis during his stint here — was sent north of the border.

As for whether Memphis is better off since trading Gay, it’s safe to assume the longest-tenured Grizzly is being careful to use his words wisely.

“I think it’s a different team without Rudy,” Conley said.

With a straight face.

Andre Johnson covers the Grizzlies for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twiter @AJ_Journalist.

VIDEO: Grizzlies fans welcome Z-Bo back to Memphis after advancing to the Western Conference Finals

May 16, 2013 by Kevin Cerrito Leave a Comment

Following their historic series clinching win over the Thunder in Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs, Grizzlies fans gathered at Wilson Air in the 2:00 am hour to welcome home their favorite players.

Watch fans welcome Zach Randolph back to Memphis with a “We Don’t Bluff” as he stops to say hello in his white SUV:

(via April4Life)

Email: kevin@memphisport.com
Twitter: @cerrito

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Filed Under: Grizzlies, The Big Features, Video Tagged With: Airport, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA Playoffs, We Don't Bluff, Z-Bo, Zach Randolph

Grizzlies hope Randolph’s assertive play is sign of things to come against Thunder

May 4, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

SHOWING OFF — The Los Angeles Clippers couldn’t find any answers for Zach Randolph (left), who led the Grizzlies to an opening-round playoff series win over the Clippers. Memphis, after dropping the first two games, reeled off four straight wins to take the series, 4-2. (Photo by Justin Ford

The Staples Center will be closed for business on Sunday.

Zach Randolph had much to do with it.

Randolph, the Memphis Grizzlies’ leading scorer and go-to player throughout their opening-round Western Conference playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, continued to demonstrate why he is considered one of the NBA’s elite power forwards.

The 12-year veteran showed why earning his second All-Star appearance in February wasn’t a fortuity one year after battling back from a torn medial collateral ligament and witnessing his effectiveness significantly reduced in Memphis’ opening-round defeat to the Clippers.

The 6-foot-9 Randolph, to his credit, proved why many media pundits believe he’s still essentially in the prime of his career, considering his remarkable performance against the Clippers was reminiscent of his memorable postseason display two seasons ago.

So with Game 6 effectively out of reach with 1:57 remaining in the fourth quarter Friday night in FedExForum, Randolph, who had been involved in physical confrontations with Clippers power forward Blake Griffin throughout a majority of the series, was hit with his second technical foul for taunting, which resulted in his subsequent ejection.

“It felt good especially from last year until what happened to this year, so it felt good,” Randolph, exhibiting a smile, said when asked about his rare disqualification. “Like I said, it is over with. We won the series. Now we have to get back focused.”

Randolph, who staged yet another exuberant performance in what turned out to be a closeout game for Memphis, didn’t seemed bewildered that he was sent to the showers before game’s end. While walking off the court, Randolph removed his signature headband, hurled it into the stands behind the Grizzlies’ bench, then skipped through the tunnel as the raucous FedExForum sellout crowd cheered in wonderment.

For the first time in two years, the Grizzlies are headed back to the Western Conference semifinals, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder starting Sunday at 12 p.m. CST in a rematch of their 2011 postseason meeting. The Grizzlies, despite losing the first two games of the series against the Clippers, exhibited a wealth of poise and resilience in rallying to eliminate an L. A. team that won three of four meetings against them during the regular season.

The Grizzlies, in fact, ended the series with four consecutive wins, largely because the Clippers couldn’t find any answers for Randolph, who averaged 20.4 points and 8.6 rebounds in the opening round and scored virtually at will against the opposition’s post players. Memphis’ 118-105 win Friday not only erased the memory of last year’s playoff loss to the Clippers in seven games, but it denied L. A. a chance to host a decisive Game 7.

Yes, Staples Center will be closed for business on Sunday, and Randolph had much to do with it.

Randolph and Clippers power forward Blake Griffin had to be seperated after they were involved in a scuffled near the midway point of the third quarter Friday night. (Photo by Justin Ford)

“After the first game, we had to figure out that we were going to have to change where he was (on the floor),” Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said. “They were doing a good job on double-teaming him. We showed him film, moved him to different spots, moved him to the elbow, moved him to the wing, and when he put the ball on the floor, he was able to see where they were coming from and that took the pressure off of him.”

That Hollins adjusted his offense after Memphis had fallen into an 0-2 hole in an attempt to get the 31-year-old Randolph more engaged ultimately proved perplexing to the Clippers’ post players. Such was the case Friday when Randolph and Griffin were involved in a third-quarter skirmish on a box-out underneath the basket with inside of seven minutes remaining. Griffin, who didn’t start and played less than 14 minutes because of an ankle injury coach Vinny Del Negro said was the “size of a grapefruit,” had a hand in Randolph’s face on the box-out, causing both players to become off-balanced. Randolph consequently broke the fall by hooking Griffin to the ground, but Griffin drove his elbow into Randolph’s throat before the players were separated.

The incident resulted in Randolph’s first of two technical fouls on the night. Still, the 260-pound Randolph admittedly welcomes the physicality, given he believes the Grizzlies will encounter similar rough play against Thunder, who ended Memphis’ postseason run two years ago.

“I don’t even know what happened,” said Randolph, when asked about his latest run-in with Griffin. “He was going down and tried to pull me down and I just tried to brace myself. (The Thunder) are a physical team. We’re just going to go out and play Grizzlies basketball and focus on ourselves and try not get into any altercations.”

If, by chance, Randolph and Co. find themselves quarreling with opposing players come Sunday, it won’t be in Staples Center, which will be closed for business.

The Grizzlies are moving on and Randolph had much to do with it.

Andre Johnson covers the Grizzlies for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twiter @AJ_Journalist.

Chris Webber says Grizzlies-Clippers winner could be favorite to beat Thunder

April 28, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

BLOCK PARTY — If Tayshaun Prince (left) and Grizzlies advance to the semifinals of the Western Conference playoffs, TNT analyst Chris Webber believes Memphis could emerge as the favorite to upset Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are without point guard Russell Westbrook for the remainder of the postseason due to a knee injury (Photo by Chris Evans)

The season-ending injury to Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook has changed virtually the entire landscape of the NBA playoffs, most notably the series between the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies.

At least that is how TNT analyst Chris Webber on Saturday assessed the injury of Westbrook, a three-time All-Star and one of the league’s premiere point guards.

The Thunder entered the postseason as the top-seeded team in the Western Conference and heavy favorites to make their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance. Such talks seem to have dwindled since team officials on Friday announced that Westbrook would be out for the remainder of the playoffs after a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee he sustained in Game 2. Westbrook went down in the second quarter of that game when Houston Rockets rookie Patrick Beverley went for a steal and collided into his knee.

The winner of the Clippers-Grizzlies series, which resume Tuesday night with Game 5 in the Staples Center at 9:30 CST, will play the winner of the Rockets-Thunder matchup. If Oklahoma City, which took a 3-0 lead in their best-of-7 series opening-round series, eliminates Houston, Webber said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Thunder become underdogs to advance to the Western Conference finals now that Westbrook is done for the season.

“You’ve still got to earn it, whether it’s San Antonio,” Webber said. “I do think that in the back of your mind, you’ve got to think you want to get out of this (Clippers-Grizzlies) series because you can believe you’re the favorite. It’s understandable. I mean, you had one of the best records in the league. And now you lose your point guard, so what you’re going to do?”

While the Thunder, who owned the league’s second-best record behind the Miami Heat, still boast the depth to make a run at the NBA Finals, Webber said it would certainly take some doing, given Oklahoma City is without Westbrook, its second-leading scorer who averaged 23.2 points during the regular season. The league’s sixth-leading scorer, the 24-year-old Westbrook had never missed a game during his five-year professional career, a streak that spanned 439 games before his injury.

“Yeah, it has brought more meaning to every series,” said Webber, who played 15 NBA seasons before retiring in March 2008. “When you lose one of the best point guards in the game, you’re going to have trouble shooting, scoring, facilitating, and doing a lot of things. So I feel bad personally for Westbrook, No. 1. But OKC is definitely going to be affected by it. How? It’s up to them to decide and make that point. When you lose a guy like Westbrook, you can’t be as good.”

In Saturday’s Game 3 at Houston, the Thunder didn’t appear affected by Westbrook’s absence until the third quarter. Behind Kevin

Chris Webber

Durant’s game-high 41 points, Oklahoma City led by as many as 26 points in the second quarter, but had to withstand a furious second-half rally by the Rockets before escaping, 104-101, to assume a three games to none lead.

The biggest concern at this point, Webber said, is whether Durant’s offensive prowess can be sustained without Westbrook in the fold.

“They’re going to have to figure out a way to get some scoring possessions,” Webber said. “I mean, (Westbrook averages) over 23 points. So how do you just find that? You can’t just say OKC is left for dead, but they’re nowhere near the explosive team they were when they had Westbrook.”

Zach Randolph (left) and Blake Griffin have been involved in a slugfest, of sorts, through four games of the Clippers-Grizzlies best-of-7 playoff series. Whichever team prevails could likely be the favorite to upend Oklahoma City following the season-ending knee injury to Westbrook. (Photo by Justin Ford)

Clippers veteran guard Chauncey Billups, meanwhile, contends the winner of the Clippers-Grizzlies series won’t necessarily have a clear-cut path to the conference finals. As Billups tells it, such talks are premature, given the Clippers and Grizzlies are deadlocked at two games apiece.

“(Westbrook’s injury) really has nothing to do with this series…nothing whatsoever,” Billups said. “I mean, I’m pretty sure if Russell was playing, whatever team gets through this (series) is going to fight just as harder. So that really doesn’t come to play in this series. When we get there, then we’ll talk about it. They’re obviously a different team without him. But we’ve got to worry about Game 5 to be honest with you.”

Andre Johnson covers the Grizzlies for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.net. Also, follow him on Twiter @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: Grizzlies, NBA, The Big Features Tagged With: BLAKE GRIFFIN, CHRIS PAUL, Chris Webber, ESPN LOS ANGELES, ESPN.COM, FoxSports.com, Houston Chronicle, Houston Rockets, Kevin Durant, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Times, Los Angles Daily News, Memphis Commercial Appeal, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA Finals, NBA Playoffs, NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE, Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook, TNT Sports, Zach Randolph

What must happen for the Grizzlies to even the series against the Clippers

April 26, 2013 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

A must win Game 3 saw Memphis come out in desperate fashion to ensure that this first round playoff series would not result in a sweep. So far neither team has been able to steal a game on the road, which is a good thing for the Grizzlies going into Game 4 in FedExForum. The Grizzlies are 32-9 at home this season, proving that The Grindhouse is one of the most difficult places for opposing teams to win in the NBA.

A big game from Darrell Arthur off the bench will go a long way in helping Memphis ensure the series will return to the Grindhouse for a pivotal game six. (Photo by Justin Ford)

A big game four from Darrell Arthur, off the bench, will go a long way in helping Memphis ensure the series will return to the Grindhouse for a pivotal game six.
(Photo by Justin Ford)

The last thing Memphis wants to do is go back to Staples Center down 3-1. A Game 4 loss would mean the Grizzlies would have to win twice in L.A. where they are just 2-8 against the Clippers the past two seasons including the playoffs (1-4 against the Clippers on the road in the playoffs).

Game 4 is another must win game for Memphis, and here is a look at 5 Things the Grizzlies must do to even this series up:

1). Contain Chris Paul
This is a feat that is easier said than done. After all, CP3 is a four time All-NBA selection, and capable of taking over a game during pivotal stretches (like he did in Game 2). However, Memphis showed in Game 3 that it is not impossible to slow down the six time All Star. He was averaging 19.2 points and 8.4 assists in five games against the Memphis this year, but he was held to just eight points and four assists in the Grizzlies Game 3 victory. It was the first time this year Memphis held Paul to single digit points, and rendered him ineffective for most of the contest. There were multiple defenders around him all night long, which disrupted the Clippers pick and roll offense (something that they were able to run extremely well in the first two games of the series). If the Grizzlies plan to even the series, slowing down Paul has to be at the top of their to do list.

2). Win the battle in the paint
No surprises here, especially considering Memphis is 0-3 against the Clippers this season when L.A. outscores the Grizzlies in the paint. Memphis is shooting a woeful 28.3 percent from behind the arc, and 43.5 percent from the field in this playoff series, which makes getting good shots from in the lane all the more important. In Game 3, the Grizz did a great job of dominating the paint, outscoring the Clippers by 14 points in that category. They were led by Zach Randolph who finished the game with 27 points and 11 rebounds, for his first double-double of the series.

3). Get quality minutes from the bench
The much maligned Memphis bench got a boost from Quincy Pondexter in Game 3, and they will need to replicate their overall effort to beat L.A. in Game 4. The Clippers have one of the best benches in the league, and outscoring them is not something that happens too often. However, nobody is asking the Grizzlies bench players to do that. The only thing they need to do is give Coach Hollins quality and mistake free minutes, so that the starters can rest and be ready for the inevitable late game push.

4). Continue feeding Zach Randolph
It is simple, he is the All-Star on the team, and the most dangerous scorer on the team, so your best option is to make sure he gets plenty of touches. Z-Bo had 18 field goal attempts in game three after having just 20 combined in games one and two. He has been extremely efficient in the series and is shooting 53 percent from the field, which is all the more reason to get him the ball in scoring position. Randolph has to do his part also and create scoring opportunities for himself in the form of offensive rebounds (He had six Thursday after having four combined in the first two games of the series). Another big game from Randolph would certainly improve the probability this series goes back to L.A. nodded up at two games apiece.

5). Hold the Clippers under 90 points
Memphis had the best defense in the NBA this season, allowing opponents to average just 89.3 points per game. However, L.A. is averaging just under 95 points per game against Memphis this year, which is well over the Grizzlies season average. In fact, the seven times these two teams have met this year, the Grizzlies have allowed the Clippers to score more than 90 points five times. All of these times have resulted in losses for Memphis (subsequently Memphis held the Clippers under 90 points in both of their victories this season). Holding the Clippers under 90 points means that the Grizzlies are controlling the tempo by not turning the ball over, securing rebounds (both offensive and defensive), and not giving up easy buckets in transition.

CJ Hurt covers NBA basketball for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

5 reasons to believe the Grizzlies can beat the Clippers this postseason

April 19, 2013 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

Mike Conley has to play better than he did in game seven against the Clippers last year for Memphis to have a chance to win this year’s series. He was just 2-13 from the field and 0-2 from three in the decisive game seven last year. Photo by Justin Ford

It is hard to believe that the once lowly Los Angeles Clippers are despised villains in any NBA city, but that is what they have become in Memphis. Another loss to them in the NBA playoffs might make some Grizzlies fans consider Grizzicide (the act of switching allegiance from the hometown Grizzlies to another playoff team, basically a bandwagoner).

The teams are basically the same this year as they were last year. Sure the Grizzlies are without Rudy Gay, OJ Mayo and Marreese Speights, but the Clippers are without Kenyon Martin and Reggie Evans (perhaps the most despised Clipper from last year’s series).

With the teams compiled of most of the same players from last year’s playoffs why should anyone expect a different result in this year’s series? Here are five reasons to believe there will be a different result for Memphis in this year’s playoff matchup with the Clippers.

1. No Rudy Gay
Now to pin the entire fact that Memphis lost last season’s first round matchup to the Clipper’s entirely on Gay would be unfair to him, and too easy. After all, OJ Mayo also struggled (averaged nine points in the playoffs, which was well less than his 12.6 points per game during the regular season), Zach Randolph was less than 100 percent, and the bench was outperformed for most of the series. However, shooting 21 percent from three and taking ill-advised shot after ill-advised shot during the series only adds fuel to the arguments of the Gay detractors. While Gay is an adequate offensive option, Coach Hollins relied on him too often to bail the team out as the shot clock expired, and ran too many isolation plays for him during last year’s playoffs. As the focal point of the offense during last year’s series Gay led the team in scoring four times. The Grizzlies record with Gay as the leading scorer was 1-3. Now that there is no Gay the offense will have to flow thru the two bigs for the Grizzlies, which is the best option for them this year, and was the best option last year. In the three Memphis wins last year Gasol and Randolph averaged 35 points per game, while in the four losses they averaged just 24 points.

2. Improved defense
It might be hard to believe, but the Grizzlies defense has improved on their 93 points allowed per game from last season. This year’s squad is allowing a league best 89.3 points per game, and is as tenacious a defense as you will find in the NBA. They are in the top three of the NBA in opponent’s field goal and three point percentage, and fourth in the association in steals. The acquisition of Tayshaun Prince gives Memphis a nice boost on the defensive end as well. Points are already hard to come by in a playoff series, and when you add to this the fact Memphis has one of the stingiest defenses in the NBA, L.A. may find themselves struggling to get points more in this year’s playoff matchup than they did last year.

3. More playoff experience
With this being the Grizzlies third consecutive year in the playoffs, the newness of it all should be gone. Sure Mayo, Gay, and Hamed Haddadi (which random unathletic big will Hollins put in with the game on the line now?) are no longer on the team, but five players who contribute significant minutes are back from last year’s brief run, and four of them (Mike Conley, Tony Allen, Randolph, and Gasol) were also on the team during the Grizzlies epic run two years ago. Adding to the playoff experience is Prince, who was an integral piece to the puzzle during the Detroit Pistons run of the early 2000’s. With all of this experience Memphis should remain poised during the highs and lows of the series. They have experienced enough during their playoff tenures that they should know what to do whether they are up 27 points (as was the case during game one against the Clippers last year) or down 27 (like they were against Oklahoma City during game five two years ago).

4. Healthy Zach Randolph
It is no secret that Z-Bo was significantly less than 100 percent during last year’s playoffs. His knee injury seriously limited his effectiveness which was evident by his 13.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game during last season’s playoffs. While he almost averaged a double-double last year in the playoffs, his numbers pale in comparison to his 2011 playoff run, which saw Mr. Don’t Bluff average 22.2 points and 10.8 rebounds. This year Randolph is not only at 100 percent, but he looks like he is in the best shape of his career and ready to do some serious damage in the playoffs. He averaged 14.8 points and 12 rebounds in four regular season games against the Clippers this year, but you can expect him to turn it up a notch and resemble 2011 Z-Bo during this playoff series.

5. Possible home game six on Music Fest Friday
Some of you may be wondering why this matters, and honestly when I found out about it I wondered the same thing. For those of you who are thinking it is just another game in the series, you could not be more wrong. This year’s possible game six will be on the same day, at the same place as game six in 2011, which saw Memphis close out the Spurs and win the franchise’s first ever playoff series. Fate could be on the Grizzlies side this season. Let’s hope so, because Chris Paul and the Clippers will not be.

CJ Hurt covers NBA basketball for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

Grizzlies star Mike Conley having more of a vocal presence as postseason looms

March 24, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

As the longest-tenured player on the Grizzzlies' roster, point guard Mike Conley (right) has become more of a vocal presence of late, something that has benefited the team mightily since the All-Star break, coach Lionel Hollin said. (Photo by Justin Ford)

TAKING CONTROL: As the longest-tenured player on the Grizzlies’ roster, point guard Mike Conley (right) has become more of a vocal presence of late, something that has benefited the team mightily since the All-Star break, coach Lionel Hollins said. (Photo by Justin Ford)

When Mike Conley starts talking, his teammates make certain to listen.

Such was the case during the Memphis Grizzlies’ game Friday night at the New Orleans Hornets.

Conley, the Grizzlies’ point guard who, early in his professional career, had developed a reputation as one of the quietest players on the roster, surprisingly called out shooting guard Tony Allen during a pivotal stretch Allen described as a “shooting zone” for the five-year veteran.

“He told me to get my bleep (expletive) back,” Allen said.

When asked how he responded to Conley’s unorthodox command, Allen, displaying a smile, said, “Nothing…I got back. That kind of surprised me coming from Mike Conley. That goes to show he’s growing as a point guard and taking control of the team. I just like the feistiness he’s brought and I just want him to keep bringing it, man.”

Fortunately for the Grizzlies, Conley’s keen desire to refrain from remaining tight-lipped has proven beneficial to a Memphis team many essentially had written off before the All-Star break, given an assortment of midseason transactions that included trading former franchise player Rudy Gay to Toronto.

The 25-year-old Conley has since emerged as the catalyst of a Grizzlies squad that has generated an 18-7 mark, has twice gone from fourth to third place in the Western Conference standings and, in February, matched its season-best eight-game undefeated streak since the organization dealt Gay on January 30. His surge in recent weeks includes a season-high 24 points on 9-of-21 field goals in last week’s 90-89 home win against Oklahoma City.

“I think this is his best season,” Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said of Conley. “He’s grown in so many ways, as has our team. It’s just a normal maturation process that comes for good players. Every player doesn’t come in and become a Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. Some just have a nice career. You keep getting better and helping your team win. That’s what the NBA is about.”

The longest-tenured Grizzly, Conley, the team’s third-leading scorer, also has assumed a more assertive approach offensively. Since returning from the All-Star break, the former Ohio State star has managed to score in double figures in all except one outing (season-low five points on 2-of-13 field goals against Dallas Feb. 27) and has witnessed his scoring average increase to 13.9 points per game.

Add to the fact that Conley is second in the NBA behind Los Angeles Clippers star Chris Paul in steals (2.3 steals per game), and it’s no wonder he’s starting to earn mentions among the elite point guards in the league.

“In my eyes,” he’s a boarder-line All-Star,” Boston Celtics veteran forward Paul Pierce said of Conley following Saturday night’s 110-106 loss to Memphis in FedExForum. “He’s one of the most solid players in the league. He’s matured over the years and he’s shown he could be a leader of a ball club. It’s showing out there on the floor.”

Unlike in recent years, when Conley’s roles were comprised mostly of orchestrating the pick at roll offense and distributing the ball to the post players, the Fayetteville, Ark. native remains adamant his time has finally come to have more of an all-around impact for a Grizzlies team that clinched its third consecutive postseason berth with Utah’s loss at Dallas Sunday night.

“I think with the trades and everything that happened,” my roles changed,” Conley said after registering 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting in 37-plus minutes Saturday against the Celtics. “And I had to be a little bit more aggressive offensively. I have a little more responsibilities, a little more freedom. I had to become more confident and aggressive and so far, it’s working.”

Conley, Memphis' third-leading scorer, was one of seven Grizzlies players to register double figures in Saturday night's 110-106 win against the Boston Celtics in FedExForum. (Photo by Justin Ford)

Conley, Memphis’ third-leading scorer, was one of seven Grizzly players to register double figures in Saturday night’s 110-106 win against the Boston Celtics in FedExForum. (Photo by Justin Ford)

As Conley tells it, no one had to inspire him to assume the proverbial “marquee player” intellect.

“I kind of looked around (after the midseason trades) and I said, ‘Who’s going to do it?’ Conley said. “I knew JB (Grizzlies backup point guard Jerryd Bayless) has the talent to do it. I know I can do it, and I think as guards of this team, we have to pick it up in our backcourt and help the big guys out. I’ve been here the longest, so I feel like I’ve invested more to this team than anybody. You know, I speak my mind a lot more than I used to do.”

Allen, more than any other Grizzly, admittedly welcomes Conley’s newfound vocal approach. So much, in fact, that he hopes to see more of it as the postseason looms.

“Mike Conley has proven he’s in the discussion as one of the elite point guards in the league,” Allen said. “When you get through talking about (Chicago Bulls Derrick) Roses, (Brooklyn Nets) Deron Williams, Chris Paul, (Oklahoma City Russell) Westbrook, you’ve got to throw Mike Conley in there. I just like the fact that he has more of a sense of urgency, that he’s more of a vocal leader, more of a distributor and scorer.

“When he came back from the All-Star break, he was more of a dominant player guy. He was more in control, I believe, distributing the ball, getting Zach (Randolph) and Marc (Gasol) involved, g0t me involved. He’s talking on the bench. He’s vocal in the huddle. The quiet Mike that we once knew isn’t quiet anymore.”

Given his stellar all-around play of late coupled with his willingness to sound off, don’t expect Conley to revert back to mute anytime soon.

Andre Johnson covers the Grizzlies for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.net. Follow him @AJ_Journalist.

NBA players pay homage to Michael Jordan on his 50th birthday

February 19, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

HOUSTON — When Michael Jordan rejoined the Chicago Bulls in 1995 following his first retirement, Ron Harper was in his second season with

Michael Jordan, considered the greatest baskteball player to ever play the game, was honored by the media and the NBA days leading to Sunday’s All-Star Game in Houston. The six-time world champion and Hall of Famer turned 50 Sunday. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images)

the team. Still, that didn’t stop Jordan from singling him out upon his return to offer what Harper — who was coming off a tumultuous first year in Chicago — described as some much-needed counsel.

“He came to me and he said, ‘We work hard here every day,’” Harper, who retired in 2001, said before Sunday night’s All-Star Game in the Toyota Center. “He said, ‘We don’t take days off. We practice hard. We play hard. We work hard.’ It was amazing to see how great he was. It was an amazing run.”

For Harper, who had played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers prior to joining the Bulls, Jordan’s reuniting with the team essentially gave way to him resurrecting his NBA career. All he did over the final seven years of his career was win five world titles, including three as a member of the Bulls.

Jordan who, during the 1980s and 1990s, disseminated the NBA globally with his electrifying leaping, scoring, and dunking ability, turned 50 on Sunday, another majestic milestone for the Hall of Famer and six-time world champion that attracted national headlines and was commemorated by many throughout the league, most notably current and former players who were on hand here for the All-Star festivities.

From the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony on Thursday in the Hilton Hotel in downtown Houston, where the 12 finalists for the Class of 2013 inductees were announced, to after the West squad’s 143-138 win over the East All-Stars, Jordan’s legacy and awe-inspiring impact on the basketball world were reminisced by those who were mesmerized by his astounding achievements and contributions during his illustrious career.

“He’s one of the ones who changed the game with Earving “Magic’ Johnson and Larry Bird,” Harper said of Jordan, now the majority owner and chairman of the Charlotte Bobcats. “When he came into the league, he took the league to new heights because he wasn’t a guy who was just another player. He was an extremely good basketball player. He worked extremely hard and he showed me what it’s like to be a real pro. It was a great experience playing alongside him.”

Jordan twice came out of retirement in 1998 and 2001, but not before manufacturing a career that prompted several of his peers and media pundits to label him “the greatest basketball player of all time.” Born in Brooklyn, N. Y. in 1963, Jordan was once told he was too short to play basketball as a slim, 5-foot-11 sophomore at Laney High in Wilmington, N. C. and eventually was cut from the team.

That Jordan was passed over by his high school coach only fueled his desire to master his mechanics. Having witnessed his height increase by four inches the following year, Jordan consequently made the varsity squad as a junior only to emerge as an instant star and arguably the team’s most prolific scorer.

From there, it was on to Chapel Hill, N. C., where he spent three seasons at the University of North Carolina, a collegiate campaign that was highlighted by Jordan making the game-winning shot, a baseline jumper from the left side against Patrick Ewing and mighty Georgetown, a perfectly executed play that, as Jordan has acknowledged time and again, was a pivotal turning point in his well-documented basketball career.

Jordan, who was a 14-time All-Star, hoists his last of three All-Star MVP trophies in 1998. (AP Photo)

Selected with the third overall pick in the first round of the 1984 NBA draft, Jordan wasted little time making his presence felt as a rookie, averaging better than 28 points per game while shooting an astounding 51 percent from the field. Even before the season’s halfway point, he had become a fan favorite in opposing arenas, a trend that ultimately led to him controversially being voted as a starter for the 1985 All-Star Game. His first year in the league would end with him walking away with Rookie of the Year honors.

“I came (in the NBA) before (Jordan), so I’m one of the older guys,” said Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, who played 15 NBA seasons between 1982 and 1999. “He pushed me and I pushed him. We didn’t talk much. We just played. As great players, you don’t talk because they’re going to bring it to you anyway.”

Before Jordan, a five-time NBA MVP, reached the pinnacle of his career, the Detroit Pistons proved to be the Bulls’ Achilles Heel, having eliminated Chicago from the postseason three consecutive seasons between 1987 and 1990. However, in the following year, under the guidance of then-second-year coach Phil Jackson, the Bulls swept the Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals and eventually won the first of three consecutive world championships.

After a two-year hiatus from basketball, the six-time NBA Finals MVP returned to the Bulls in 1995, playing four more seasons in Chicago, a run that brought the franchise three more NBA titles. Following a second retirement that lasted approximately three years, Jordan made one last comeback, this time with the Washington Wizards before calling it a career for good after an April 16, 2003 loss at Philadelphia.

Since his retirement, there have been ongoing debates as to whether No. 23 should be retired by every NBA team in honor of Jordan’s contributions to the game. LeBron James, who made headlines days leading to the All-Star Game in Houston when Jordan said Lakers star Kobe Bryant is a more successful player than the Miami Heat star, is among the current players who believes players who wear No. 23 should discontinue occupying the number.

Following a November 13, 2009 win against the Heat, James, who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers at the time, said he would switch from

Jordan is still very much active in the NBA. The former North Carolina All-American is now the majority owner and chairman of the Charlotte Bobcats. (Photo by Kent Smith, NBAE Getty Images)

wearing No. 23 to No. 6 after the season out of respect for Jordan and that other players should follow suit.

“I feel like no NBA player should wear 23,” James, a three-time league MVP, said after that game. “I’m starting a petition, and I’ve got to get everyone in the NBA to sign it. Now, if I’m not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it.”

Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph, who has met Jordan on several occasions, agreed with James that players should no longer wear No. 23.

“Most definitely,” Randolph, a two-time All-Star, said during Friday’s Media Day session. “That shouldn’t even be a question. That’s not even a question to me. He paved the way for us, the things he did and stuff, what he brought to this game.”

Then, of course, there are some who believe that No. 23 shouldn’t be retired by every team, most notably Wilkins and former NBA great Gary Payton. Payton, who played for five different teams during his 17-year NBA career, was a member of the Seattle SuperSonics team that lost in the six games in the NBA finals to Jordan and the Bulls in 1996.

“I don’t think so,” Payton said. “He didn’t play for a lot of those teams. But if they do, he deserves it. They consider him to be the best basketball player of all time, which has been true.”

Scottie Pippen, who was a member of the Bulls’ six championship teams, turned down interview requests by MemphiSport, but tweeted Sunday morning, “Happy 50^th birthday MJ — my friend, winner, ultimate competitor and the greatest.”

Said Wilkins when asked if the NBA should retire No. 23 in honor of Jordan: “No, because he played with the Bulls most of his career. If another team like Washington, for example, wants to retire his jersey because he played there, then that would be a great thing. But he’s synonymous with the Chicago Bulls. That stands in a place by itself. I don’t think they should retire No. 23 across the board.

“It would be an interesting argument. I mean, he’s the brand of basketball, let just be honest, no matter what anybody else try to say.”

Andre Johnson covers the NBA for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.com. Also, follow him on Twitter at @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: NBA, The Big Features Tagged With: 92.9 ESPN, ABC Nightline, Air Jordan, CBS Evening News, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, cleveland cavaliers, DOMINIQUE WILKINS, ESPN DALLAS, ESPN LOS ANGELES, ESPN.COM, Gary Payton, Houston Chronicle, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Times, Memphis Grizzlies, Michael Jordan, NBA All-Star Game, NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE, NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE, NBC News, Nike, Scottie Pippen, The United Center, Zach Randolph

Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph back, healthier in latest All-Star appearance

February 16, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

Grizzlies power Zach Randolph (red) attempts to wrestle the ball away from Dwight Howard in the 2010 All-Star Game in Dallas. The 12-year veteran will be making his second appearance in the NBA’s annual showcase of stars Sunday night in Houston’s Toyota Center. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images North America)

HOUSTON — West All-Stars coach Gregg Popovich recalls all too well Zach Randolph’s extraordinary performance in the opening round of the playoffs two years ago that enabled the Memphis Grizzlies to become only the second eighth-seeded team in NBA history to eliminate a top-seed when they beat the San Antonio Spurs in six games of the their best-of-7-series.

Nevertheless, as much as Randolph had provided fits to his Spurs during that remarkable playoffs series, Popovich admittedly is pleased to witness the 12-year veteran back on the NBA’s most-celebrated stage for the first time in three years.

“It’s great to see him here because he’s very deserving,” Popovich said of Randolph, whose previous All-Star appearance was in 2010 before a sold-out Cowboys Stadium. “He’s a unique player. There’s nobody in the league like him. For a big guy to have the hands he has and the quickness he has, the ability to score is really unique in the way he does it. It seems unorthodox and his timing seems as if it’s a half a count different than everybody else where he gets the shot off or gets a rebound for you. His instincts, his knack for being around the ball is unsurpassed around the league. So, on an individual basis, that’s what makes him great. But secondly, he’s competitive and tough-minded, so it’s wonderful that he’s here.”

To Randolph’s credit, his originality will be put on display once again when the Grizzlies power forward suits up as one of seven reserves for the West squad here Sunday night at 7 CST in the Toyota Center in the NBA’s 72^nd annual All-Star Game. For the 32-year-old Randolph, who essentially has been thrust into the proverbial “franchise player” role since the recent trade of Rudy Gay to Toronto, re-emerging as an All-Star-caliber player at this stage in his career, by all accounts, will make his latest appearance in this event much more relishing.

Among the reasons is that the Marion, Indiana native spent a majority of last year battling a slew of injuries, most notably a torn MCL last January that sidelined him for a majority of the condensed, lockout-shortened regular season. In fact, Randolph’s injury, as he tells it, was the “lowest point” of his career, in large part because he was months removed from having enjoyed a memorable campaign that was highlighted by the Grizzlies staging the best postseason run in franchise history, one in which Randolph steered Memphis to within a game of the Western Conference finals.

“I had that feeling,” Randolph, sitting at his designated table before a gallery of reporters, said during Friday’s Media Day, when asked if he felt his MCL tear would prevent him from returning to full strength. “When it first happened, I was sitting at home and couldn’t move my legs and watching the other guys play. It did cross my mind. But when I got up and started working out last summer, my confidence came back and I believe I could get back to playing at the same level.”

If there were critics who sensed that Randolph was merely a shell of his old self coming into this season, the former Michigan State star effectively silenced them in a December 4 game the Phoenix Suns in FedExForum. That’s when the 6-foot-9 Randolph went off, scoring a season-high 38 points on 15-of-22 field goals and grabbing 22 rebounds in leading the Grizzlies to a 108-98 win.

“I mean, we all knew he came back from injury and into the playoffs, he wasn’t himself,” East starter LeBron James of the Miami Heat, a nine-time All-Star, said of Randolph. “To come all the way back, to play the game he’s playing, and they’re winning in that tough Western Conference, and for him to be back and be in the All-Star Game, you know, kudos to him big time.”

Fortunately for Randolph, while his monster game against the Suns was reminiscent of his exuberant playoff display two years when he averaged a team-best 22.2 points in 13 postseason outings, it was a performance that ultimately prompted a number of coaches around league to acknowledge him for serious All-Star consideration.

The rest, as they say, is history.

“Coming back from injury to this…I mean, the coaches picked me,” Randolph said. “They picked me so this is a great feeling. I guess this (All-Star appearance) is a little more special. You’ve got to take it for what it’s worth and enjoy every minute.”

That’s something about which Randolph pledges to do here in Houston, especially after what he described as a challenging first half of the season for what has become a revamped Grizzlies team.

Randolph’s December 4 game against Phoenix in which he erupted with a 38-point outburst and grabbed 22 rebounds was among the reasons coaches voted him to his second All-Star appearance. (Photo by Justin Ford)

“I believe we still got a pretty good chance,” said Randolph, whose Grizzlies (33-18), despite of number of roster transactions in recent weeks via trades, still occupy the fourth spot in the Western Conference heading the season’s second half. “A lot of people are doubting us because we traded one of our best players. I think we can still do what we set out to do and go to that next level. I think we’ve got some good players who can help this team in different ways.”

In the meantime, though, Randolph — exhibiting his signature smile and cracking jokes with reporters on Friday — just wants to absorb and savor the splendor of the moment, one that, come Sunday night, will give way to him being christened as one of the NBA’s elite, while on the league’s most-celebrated stage.

“I feel like I was supposed to been an All-Star a couple of times,” Randolph said. It’s a blessing. I’m humbled about it. I appreciate it. And being in this room with all these All-Stars, it’s great. It’s means a lot. I was hurt last year and, after putting in the work over the summer to where I am now, it means a lot.”

What a difference one year makes.

Andre Johnson covers the NBA for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him atandre@memphisport.com. Follow him @AJ_Journalist.

Filed Under: Grizzlies, The Big Features Tagged With: cbssports.com, Charles Barkley, Colin Cowherd, East All-Stars, ESPN LOS ANGELES, ESPN.COM, Gregg Popovich, Houston Chronicle, Lebron James, Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Times, Memphis Grizzlies, Mike and Mike In The Morning, NBA All-Star Game, NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE, NBA Western, phoenix suns, San Antonio Spurs, Sports 56 WHBQ, Tim Duncan, TNT Sports, Toyota Center, West All-Stars, Zach Randolph

Veteran Tayshaun Prince exercising faith on and off the court for Grizzlies

February 11, 2013 by Andre Johnson Leave a Comment

For a majority of his NBA career, Tayshaun Prince has become a fixture when it comes to meeting with the chaplain before games.

Sunday afternoon was no exception.

Tayshaun Prince, acquired the Grizzlies January 30, enjoyed a breakout game for Memphis in Sunday’s 105-88 win against Minnesota. The 11-year veteran tied a franchise record after making each of his eight shots against the Timberwolves. (Photo by Justin Ford)

After partaking in the pregame shootaround, Prince, the recently-acquired Memphis Grizzlies small forward, found his way to the room reserved for coach Lionel Hollins’ postgame news conference to meet with chaplain Donald Johnson, where he had the privilege of absorbing some spiritual wisdom and guidance.

“I do that everywhere I go,” Prince said. “As busy as our schedule is, we don’t get to visit church on Sunday. What a prime opportunity to spend 15 minutes and share some experiences with Donald and just communicate and opening our minds and putting faith where it should be. But I’m going to do it no matter what. I’m going to continue to give thanks and try to be the best man I can be. And when I don’t do things right, I’ll try my best to get back on track.”

Prince’s unrelenting faith seemingly has benefited him mightily during a professional career that spans 10-plus seasons. After 10 profitable seasons in Detroit that included the Compton, Calif. native having assumed a pivotal role during the Pistons’ unlikely NBA title run in 2004, Prince is hopeful to have a similar impact for a revamped Grizzlies team that boast championship aspirations.

Known primarily for his defensive prowess, given he was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team for four consecutive seasons dating from 2005-2008, Prince has often demonstrated to have been equally efficacious offensively. Such was the case in Sunday’s contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves when Prince enjoyed arguably his best outing in his brief time with his new team.

In leading the Grizzlies to a decisive 105-88 win in FedExForum, the 6-foot-9 veteran finished with a team-high 18 points and tied a franchise-record by connecting on each of his eight field goal attempts, a feat that coincidentally was manufactured by shooting guard Tony Allen against the Timberwolves in January of last year.

The 32-year-old Prince was especially efficient throughout a pivotal third quarter in which the Grizzlies witnessed a ten-point halftime advantage swell to as many as 21. Prince, by all accounts, was the catalyst of the Grizzlies’ second-half surge, scoring 11 points during a key 15-4 spurt in the third against a short-handed Timberwolves squad to help propel Memphis to its second consecutive win.

Hollins seemed intrigued by Prince’s display, considering he took a moment to joke during his postgame news conference that he contemplated sending Prince back in the game for defensive purposes, most notably at the 3:38 mark of the fourth when Minnesota’s Chris Johnson’s alley-oop dunk off a lob from Alexey Shved trimmed Grizzlies’ margin to 13.

“Zach (Randolph) didn’t want me to put (Prince) back out there,” Hollins said with a grin.

Still, on a night in which Grizz center Marc Gasol, the team’s second-leading scorer, struggled to match his energy from the previous game against Golden State when the 7-foot-1 Spaniard registered 20 points on 9-of-14 field goals, it was Prince’s breakout game for Memphis that essentially enabled the Grizzlies to regain sole possession of fourth place in the Western Conference standings heading into this week’s All-Star break.

“I’ve just been in the gym getting extra shots up, just trying to get in a good rhythm,” Prince said in assessing his performance against Minnesota. “I’ve known since I got here my legs have been a little heavy, so I’m just trying to take care of my body off the court and hopefully that way, knock some shots down. Obviously, by any means, I don’t expect to have games like that, but I just had a good rhythm and good flow. And the best thing about that is guys will keep looking for you.”

Traded on January 30 to the Grizzlies in a three-team deal that included bringing fellow Pistons teammate Austin Daye to Memphis and sending Rudy Gay and Hamed Haddadi to Toronto, Prince admittedly sensed that coming in he would inherit a situation in which his game would often draw comparisons to that of Gay who, like Prince, is savvy a small forward who’s armed with the ability to create his own shot from the perimeter.

Prince (right), who was a member of the Detroit Pistons’ 2004 NBA championship team, routinely meets with a chaplain before each game for spiritual support. (Photo by Justin Ford)

“You know what, I can’t control that,” said Prince, who averages 11.5 points for Memphis. “I’m not going to control that. The only thing I can try to worry about is to help this team and try to show these guys in the locker room my support and what I can bring to this and the coaching staff. I’m not concerned with trying to show people that I can replace somebody. That’s something that I can’t do. What I can do is be me.

“There will be some games where I will score the basketball,” continued Prince, “and then there will be some games where I’ll do some other things. I’m not that 20-point scorer that Rudy Gay had shown and what his capabilities are. We’re two different basketball players.”

Regardless, the Grizzlies have benefited immensely from Gay and Prince’s contrasting roles. While Gay, for instance, had proven to be an occasional game-changer during his 6 ½-year tenure with the team, Prince has gone to great lengths in recent days to spread his spiritual wealth around the Grizzlies’ locker room.

“Yeah, I’ll hold conversations with these guys,” Prince said. “A few guys who have seen me walk in and out (to meet with the chaplain) they know where I’m going, and I’ll bring with me a few passages back with me back show those guys. Obviously, that’s been apart of my pregame ritual where I’ll go out and shoot then go to the chapel and then do some other things. That’s what I do on a daily basis.”

If nothing else, his relentless faith seemingly gave way to his prayers being answered in a rather perfect way on Sunday.

Andre Johnson covers the Grizzlies for MemphiSport. To reach Johnson, email him at andre@memphisport.com. Follow him @AJ_Journalist.