PLENTY IN RESERVE
Randolph remains force as Sixth Man contender
Zach Randolph was the last man standing in the Grizzlies’ locker room Friday night following their latest triumph. He took a long path toward his locker — from the postgame, on-court television interview to the weight room to the shower to a stall where his clothing hung.
Why the weight room after posting his 19th double-double this season?
“I’m on that Vince Carter program,” Randolph said only half-jokingly, referring to his 40-year-old teammate revered for physical conditioning. Who: Memphis vs. Los Angeles Lakers When, where: 2:30 p.m. today, Staples Center TV, radio: Fox Sports Southeast; WMFS 92.9 FM/680 AM
Indeed, this has been a season in which Randolph has needed to pay extra attention to his body, mind and soul. David Fizdale is headed into the playoffs for the first time as an NBA head coach and he credits Randolph for being one of team’s most important leaders.
The compliment has plenty to do with Randolph transitioning from being a goto guy to a glue guy, which has meant more than the statistics would show. Still, Randolph amassing a league-high 18 double-doubles off the bench is notable to what Fizdale considers a strong campaign for the NBA’s Sixth Man award.
“It has been seamless,” Fizdale said. “He has never bickered once to the press — not one time. You can go back through every paper, article or anything and he never complained. There were days when he was frustrated. He just stayed with it, and he’s embraced it.
“He’s got to be in the conversation of Sixth Man of the Year. I don’t know how he can’t be one of the finalists for that, looking at what he’s done on the glass and from a scoring standpoint. I think a lot of the sixth men do a lot of scoring. Z-Bo is in the trenches for us, grabbing rebounds for us every night… Yes, I am pitching for him, if you’re wondering.”
In a wide-ranging interview after the Grizzlies clinched a seventh consecutive playoff berth, Randolph discussed how he’s transitioned and being a candidate for Sixth Man.
Q: What’s been your mindset coming off the bench this season?
A: Honestly, man, this has been the toughest year of my career. You know, because of the things I’ve been through (including the sudden death of his mother) and the adjustments I had to make playing. What can I say? I’m a warrior. I’m going to play hard. I’m not going to cry about it. I just take it how it comes.
Q: Does it mean anything to you to be in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year?
A: It’s all a blessing. I haven’t even thought about it.
Q: What does it mean to you that every time Coach Fizdale mentions you he’s lobbying, he’s campaign manager?
A: It’s good. It’s good when a coach is fighting for you and believes in you. As long as we get the ‘W’ that’s all that matters.
Q: Do you believe your rebounding and the double-doubles should carry more weight in Sixth Man voting?
A: I’ve won Most Improved Player and been an All-Star. I don’t even know what other guys are doing. I just focus on this team and what I’m doing.
Q: How hard as it been for you mentally to adjust in this role, doing what you do and having to do it in 20 minutes as opposed to 33-34 minutes?
A: It’s been very hard. I haven’t come off the bench since my second or third year (in the league). It’s been an adjustment. You just take it how it comes and stay positive. I just go out there and play and not (complain) about it. Just man up.
Q: Do you feel like with your role and for as long as you’ve been here that you had to take it like that to show these guys what it means to be selfless and a team player?
A: Definitely. Some guys in my position and with my status would have gone about it the wrong way, honestly. It was tough at the beginning because I know I can still be a starter in this league. I am a starter. But I just take it positively. Whatever coach thinks is best for the team I roll with it.
Q: Were you aware if you did express frustration that it would become a deal? Is that something you wanted to avoid?
A: Exactly. I’m not going to bring negativity to the team. I’m not about that. I’m a team-first guy. I’m an organizationfirst guy. I care about this city. I didn’t want to be crying about it. Q: Have you grown to like the role? A: I’m a player. I’m a hooper. So whatever it takes, starting and playing me 30 minutes or whatever. I feel like I’m 25 out there. That’s my mindset. And it doesn’t matter who is out there. I don’t pay attention.
Q: Did you have guys come up to you this season and say, “What’s going on? This is kind of crazy.”
A: Yeah (laughter). Thaddeus Young (Memphis native with the Indiana Pacers) said that to me the other night (more laughter). It’s every game. Dang, I shouldn’t have said that but it’s the truth, though.
Q: You’ve known Fizdale for a long time. Was there anything about that relationship that made it a little easier to accept?
A: It did. And if it would have been anybody else it would have been the same especially because of this team and the things we’ve been through. But (Fizdale) was up front about it so I respected how he did it.