OneManFastBreak.net » Memphis Grizzlies

Z-BEST POWER FORWARD IN THE NBA?

Staff Writer — Mon, 02 May 2011 09:19:18 +0000

Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (right) drives against Thunder center Kendrick Perkins. (US PRESSWIRE)

Zach Randolph is finally getting the recognition he richly deserves. It took 10 seasons and four stops in NBA cities, which included Portland, New York, Los Angeles and now Memphis, but the man/beast known as “Z-Bo” is showing the basketball world that he is the real deal and the only reason why we haven’t realized it is because we’ve never seen it on the big stage.

Well, it can’t get any bigger than the NBA playoffs and Zach Randolph is sending one loud message: “Do you see me now!”

The Memphis Grizzlies power forward recently ripped the Oklahoma City Thunder for a career playoff high 34 points and 10 rebounds to lead Memphis to a stunning Game 1 victory. Just as he did in a Western Conference first-round upset of top-seeded San Antonio, Randolph was an absolute beast in the paint. The Thunder tried the long and athletic Serge Ibaka on him and didn’t work because Randolph was too strong for Ibaka. Then they matched him up with center Kendrick Perkins, one of the best low-post defenders in the league, and didn’t work because Randolph was too quick for Perkins.

Randolph was so dominant that Thunder superstar Kevin Durant threw him the ultimate compliment. “He’s the best power forward in the league, I think,” Durant said, without hesitation, during his postgame press conference. “He’s phenomenal. He’s the go-to guy. They get him the rock and finds his position and gets its where he wants to get it. He’s unbelievable.”

Durant added, “He’s an animal. I thought Perk and Serge did a good job in forcing him out down low but he kept making those fadeaway jumpers. We just gotta make him make tough shots, and hopefully he’ll miss.”

Wow! The best PF in the game? That’s high praise for a guy who a year ago was the subject of trade talks. How things have changed in a matter of months. Randolph went from expendable to most valuable. In Durant’s eyes, Z-Bo is better than Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire.

When Randolph was told about Durant’s bold claim, he leaned back and soaked in his newfound accolade. “I gotta agree with that,” Randolph said with a huge smile on his face, which got some laughs in the press room. “Thanks, KD. Appreciate it.”

“I just try to be the same player, play my game all the time,” he added. “The good players stay consistent.”

Durant says the Thunder will look at the tape from Game 1 and figure out how to change their coverages against Randolph. The Spurs tried just about everything but throw the living room couch on Randolph, and they’re now at home watching the playoffs.

Randolph had two games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in the regular season against the Thunder, as Memphis won the series 3-1. As we all learned after Game 1, Randolph and the Grizzlies are for real and it will take a phenomenal series from Durant and his fellow All-Star, Russell Westbrook, to knock out the red-hot eighth-seeded team.

He’s the only player in the league to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in each of the last three seasons, and he and center Marc Gasol form a formidable 1-2 inside punch for Memphis that was the NBA’s most productive team in the paint with a 51.5-point average.

NBA TV analyst and former NBA great Steve Smith says what makes Randolph tough to defend is his ability to take what the defense gives him. You know he’s got an array of post moves, but when that’s taken away he’s got that fugly-looking, no-lift lefty jumper that always seems to go in. He’s also a relentless rebounder, which wears down his opponents.

If there’s an MVP award given after the first round of the NBA playoffs, Randolph wins it hands down.

PLAY OF THE YEAR: EVANS’ BUZZER-BEATER

Staff Writer — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 20:20:50 +0000

Talk about ending 2010 with a bang! The game between the Kings and Grizzlies on Dec. 29 at Arco Arena in Sacramento involved two buzzer-beaters – both in spectacular fashion.

With five seconds left in the fourth quarter and the Kings holding a slim 97-96 lead, Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley inbounded the ball to O.J. Mayo, who took a couple of dribbles toward the top and made an off-balance, fadeaway jump shot to give Memphis a 98-97 lead with 1.5 seconds remaining. Game over, right? Wrong.

After Mayo’s amazing play, the crowd in Sacramento went nearly dead silent sensing that the game had been won. Even one sideline reporter was too quick to walk on the court to get some postgame interviews.

But hold on Mr Reporter! The game is not over yet.

DeMarcus Cousins inbounded the ball to Tyreke Evans from the baseline and Evans took one dribble and launched a desperation shot from well beyond halfcourt and swished it just just before the red light went on. Kings win, 100-98!

The Kings players and coaching staff celebrated as if they had just won the NBA title, and Evans certainly milked his shining moment by jumping on top of the official’s table as the whole building erupted (haven’t heard this building this loud since Mike Bibby hit a game-winning shot in Game 5 of the 2002 Western Conference finals against the Lakers).

The Kings are in dire need of a spark this season and Evans may have just provided it with his incredible shot. Even though we’ve only played just a quarter of the season, Evans’ buzzer-beater may be the shot of the year in the NBA. See for yourself…

GRIZZLIES ARE MAKING SOME NOISE

Staff Writer — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:21:19 +0000

Since trading Pau Gasol to the L.A. Lakers in 2008, the Memphis Grizzlies and their owner Michael Heisley have been getting grief from opposing players and coaches, the media, barbershop critics, season-ticket holders, school children and their grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors for basically gift-wrapping an NBA championship to the Lakers.

That may be true but the Grizzlies didn’t exactly come out of the deal empty handed. Lost in the whole gift exchange between L.A. and Memphis was the not-so-highly publicized fact that Memphis in return got Gasol’s younger brother, Marc, in the deal.

Marc Gasol, drafted by Lakers in the second round in 2007, was sent to Memphis without much fanfare, but the soon-to-be 25-year-old Spaniard has developed into one of the top young centers in the NBA and he now anchors a young Grizzlies team that is beginning to make some noise in the Western Conference.

Through Jan. 19, the Grizzlies are 22-18 and 16-6 in December and January.

The foundation of the Grizzlies’ recent success is built around nine-year veteran Zach Randolph and their three young studs: Gasol, Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo.

The quartet may not be as popular as Elvis Presley’s Memphis Mafia but they are evolving into one of more entertaining teams in the Association, averaging 104.2 points per game (fourth in the league) and shooting 47.9 percent from the field (sixth).

Randolph is one of just three players who is averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds for the season and he is complemented inside by the 7-foot-1, 270-pound Gasol, nicknamed “El Tanque” (which means The Tank) for the way he dishes and absorbs heavy contact in the low block.

Grizzlies center Marc Gasol is second in the NBA with a 61.1% field goal percentage.

“Zach Randolph may have the better numbers, but I believe Gasol is their most efficient big man,” said Covers expert Sean Murphy, who recently moved up Memphis seven spots from 19 to 12 in his latest NBA Power Rankings.

“One of the biggest reasons for their struggles in recent seasons has been their awful interior defense,” Murphy explained. “Gasol has done an excellent job of plugging that hole.”

Gasol is fourth on the team in points (14.6), second in rebounds (9.6) and first in blocked shots (1.5) and field goal percentage (61.1 percent). His shooting percentage is second-best in the NBA.

The evolution of Gasol as a force on offense and defense, as well as the steady hand of Randolph, have definitely taken pressure off Gay – the team’s budding star and emerging leader.

Now in his fourth season, Gay has become a complete player and is enjoying career highs in points (20.2), rebounds (6.2) and steals (1.5).

“We saw signs of this two years ago before he struggled last season,” Murphy said of the former UConn star. “Not only is he leading by example, but he’s also done an excellent job of helping the younger players such as Mayo.”

Like every young team in the league, the Grizzlies are far more comfortable playing at home than on the road. Their recent surge can be attributed to a 15-5 mark at FedEx Forum and greatly aided by a nine-game home winning streak.

“They’re a high-scoring team, but at home is where their strength is. It’s still more of a shake-and-bake team than a power team,” said John Avello, sportsbook manager at Wynn Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

“They’re on a nice streak, but they’re in a tough conference. In the West, everybody is difficult to handle.”

So, are the Grizzlies finally getting enough respect?

“I think the key thing to watch will be whether they can keep it rolling through the All-Star break, that’s often when young teams start breaking down,” Murphy noted.

This article also appears on Covers. com.

5 POSSIBLE TEAMS FOR IVERSON

Staff Writer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:16:35 +0000

Throughout Allen Iverson’s brilliant 14-year NBA career, he has always been able to bounce back from injury, adversity or controversy. After the Memphis Grizzlies terminated his one-year contract, the 10-time NBA All-Star is now out of work and can’t seem to find a team that will give him another opportunity.

Iverson’s stint with Memphis lasted 65 minutes and three games coming off the bench, hardly anything to write home about. His final game was Nov. 6 in Los Angeles in which he scored eight points in 21 minutes before going on his personal leave of absence.

Memphis owner Michael Heisley recently told the Associated Press he would have traded Iverson if a good deal came. But there were no takers. Few NBA teams showed interest in the 34-year-old guard before Memphis signed him to a one-year, incentive-laden contract on Sept. 10. Memphis fans greeted the biggest star ever to play for the Grizzlies with a big crowd for his introductory news conference and eagerly bought up his No. 3 jersey, though he wound up never playing a game on the team’s home court.

Allen Iverson's stay in Memphis was short and bittersweet. The 14-year veteran was recently waived.

Iverson didn’t help himself much during his short stint with his fourth NBA team. He missed the preseason with a partially torn left hamstring and didn’t debut with the Grizzlies until Nov. 2 at Sacramento.

The final straw for Iverson was the decision of the coaching staff to bring him off the bench, something Iverson had a problem with when he was in Detroit. “I had no problems (with the hamstring),” Iverson told reporters. “I had a problem with my butt from sitting on that bench so long. That’s the only thing I got a problem with.”

Iverson continued: “I’m not a reserve basketball player. I’ve never been a reserve all my life and I’m not going to start looking at myself as a reserve. To answer the question, ‘No, I’m not a bench player. I’m not a sixth man. Go look at my resume and that will show you I’m not a sixth man.”

The four-time NBA scoring champ became the 16th player in league history to score 24,000 points in his career in his second game against the Golden State Warriors. Iverson can still play and he hasn’t forgotten how to score. He may not be a 25-point scorer anymore but he’s still capable of getting 17 to 18 points in the right situation.

So where should he go, or which teams are a good fit for him? Here are some possible destinations for The Answer:

–New York: GM Donnie Walsh is not opposed to bringing in a big name to boost the Knicks’ sagging Q rating for at least one season before they go on a full-court press in the 2010 free-agent sweepstakes. The Knicks need a headliner to keep their fanbas interested, and Iverson would certainly bring some star power to Madison Square Garden – even for just a few months.

–Charlotte: The Bobcats recently traded away guard Raja Bell and could use another scorer. A backcourt of Raymond Felton and Iverson could potentially work, and A.I. would reunite with the ONLY coach he ever respected in Larry Brown.

–Philadelphia: What better way to end your career than return to the place that you called home for 10-plus years. The Sixers have a lot of young talent but could use a veteran player who can influence the team on and off the court. Iverson can pair up with Lou Williams in the backcourt and has experience playing with Andre Iguodala.

–Miami: The Heat are more of a longshot because they like to develop young guys like Mario Chalmers, Daequan Cook and Michael Beasley. But Dwyane Wade would welcome another stud on South Beach, so don’t count them out.

–Europe: This would be the most logical choice and financially sound. Some of the rich Euroleague teams can afford to pay Iverson above market value, and he can sign a long-term deal if he wishes. Also, Iverson would be THE featured attraction. He can start, play the whole game and take all the shots he wants. No NBA team can offer those enticements.

KNICK FANS, RUBIO IS THE REAL DEAL

Staff Writer — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:24:31 +0000

The New York Knicks are pursuing a trade for European sensation Ricky Rubio, who was taken at No. 5 by the Minnesota Timberwolves. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Make no mistake about, the Minnesota Timberwolves got the best player in the NBA Draft. Though Blake Griffin was the clear choice as the No. 1 player in the draft, Ricky Rubio – Minnesota’s pick at No. 5 – could potentially be the guy who will define the ’09 draft.

Rubio, the much-hyped European sensation from DKV Joventut, is the great unknown. At 18 years old, he was the youngest player in the draft but also its most seasoned, having played professionally in Europe since he was 14. To borrow a line from draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., Rubio has a “high ceiling” and has more room to grow than Griffin and Hasheem Thabeet. Right now, the wunderkind from Badalona plays more on instinct and needs to clean up some his bad habits. But behind the raw potential is a budding superstar.

Donnie Walsh, general manager of the New York Knicks, recently confirmed the Knicks are in hot pursuit of the Spanish point guard and planned to contact Timberwolves GM David Kahn about Rubio’s availability. Kahn explained that the reason he took two point guards with the fifth and sixth overall selections was because he anticipated that Rubio might return to Spain for one or two more years. Whether that happens or not, Kahn has a backup plan in Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn.

New York would be the ideal place for Rubio. It would be comparable to Patrick Ewing’s arrival in the Big Apple 24 years ago. With his rock star looks, battle-tested game and freakish resemblance to “Pistol” Pete Maravich, Rubio would be worth the enormous price of admission at Madison Square Garden, which is begging for a lead MC for its starving fanbase. If the Knicks get Rubio, he instantly becomes the frontman of the franchise and the trigger man for Coach Mike D’Antoni’s wide open, rapid-fire offense.

Rubio has previously mentioned that it would be his “dream” to play at MSG.

D’Antoni has a soft spot for European players (see Danilo Gallinari in last year’s draft), having played and coached in Europe for the better part of his professional basketball life. He starred for Olimpia Milano from 1978 to 1990 and had two stints as coach of Italian League powerhouse Benetton Treviso.

D’Antoni understands that he can’t curtail Rubio’s game, much like the way he handled Steve Nash in Phoenix. He would love to pair Rubio with fan favorite Nate Robinson in the backcourt. At 6-foot-4, Rubio has the size to contend with shooting guards, allowing the 5-8 Robinson to cover the point. Robinson is more of a scoring guard, so having Rubio at the point affords him the freedom to play off the ball.

While Rubio was the sexy pick in last Thursday’s draft, Griffin – the power forward from Oklahoma – was the safe pick. He is the most polished player and the most NBA-ready among his peers. The bad news is, he’s going to the L.A. Clippers. As soon as he puts on that Clipper uniform, he’ll find himself on the injury list faster than you can say … Danny Manning.

The Orlando Magic were put in the same predicament in the 2004 draft. They had to choose between the more polished and NBA-ready Emeka Okafor or the young, untapped potential in Dwight Howard. The Magic rolled with Howard and the rest is history.

Rubio’s length and long arms are two huge pluses for a point guard. He can also play defense – something most foreign-born NBA players have trouble understanding. And even though Rubio has a little bit of Pistol Pete in him, his game is very much an original and he brings a different swag to the table.

ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla said Rubio “has an incredible off the charts basketball IQ.”

“He is one of the best passers I’ve ever seen,” Fraschilla said of Rubio, who was born to run the pick and roll, and will greatly benefit from having skilled big men like Kevin Love and Al Jefferson.

“You can put him in the same category (as a passer) with, and this is sacrilegious, with Pistol Pete, Magic, Larry Bird, Steve Nash and on and on,” Fraschilla continued. “He has a Gretzky-like feel. He sees the game two or three plays ahead. He would have been a major star in college ball without a doubt.”

Aside from his Euroleague experience, Rubio also gained valuable court time during the 2008 Beijing Olympics as a member of the Spanish national team that lost to the United States in the gold-medal game. How many teenage point guards can say they went head-to-head against Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Jason Kidd and lived to tell about it? Check that. How many point guards among the general population have held their ground against CP3, D-Will and J-Kidd in a championship game? The very short list has Rubio’s name on it.

Jonathan Givony of Draft Express wrote this about Rubio:

His 51 point, 24 rebound, 12 assist and seven steal game in the Under-16 European Championship game is already a thing of legend. His debut in the strongest league in Europe came at age 14. He won the FIBA EuroCup in 2006, and the ULEB Cup in 2008. He was a key cog in helping a Rudy Fernandez-led squad win the prestigious Copa del Rey last year, and was named the top point guard in the ACB a few months later…

Rubio is rewriting the record books every time he steps on the court. He’s in unchartered territory, and no one really knows how far he can go. His knowledge of the game and feel for making plays is really unlike anything we’ve observed before –sees things on the floor and executes passes that only a handful of players in the world are capable of even thinking of. The poise and maturity he shows at all times is nothing short of incredible.

Clearly he has weaknesses — the most turnover player in the ACB, and shoots an ugly flat-footed jumper that doesn’t inspire much confidence regarding his ability to transition out to the NBA 3-point line. Somehow he manages to shoot 43 percent from beyond the arc, though, and also leads all players in this draft in assists per-minute, and not by a small margin. He was also named the defensive player of the year in Spain, after leading the league in steals for the third-straight season. How much can we expect him to improve over the next few years? That’s the million dollar question.

The Knicks are still hoping to lure LeBron James in 2010, but that is more of a pipe dream than anything else. James is more likely to sign with the Yankees than the Knicks as long as Cleveland is within reach of an NBA title. James badly wants to win a championship for his hometown team and he will keep trying until he succeeds. That leaves Walsh and D’Antoni with their backup plan, and Plan B is to bring Rubio to New York.