On a night when the game was an appetizer for what was the come, the Grizzlies got the job done against the Houston Rockets (113-106), setting the table for the postgame retirement of Zach Randolph’s No. 50.
Randolph – widely and affectionally known as Z-Bo – is the first Grizzlies player to have his jersey retired. Encased with the look of a platinum album, the retired number now is visible on a wall near the top of the FedExForum arena.
“I’m just glad we were able to get a win to tee it up for Z-Bo so that it could be even more of a special night for him,” Taylor Jenkins, Memphis’ head coach, said.
“I saw him on the way out and I said, ‘You’re a legend, man. This is a night to always remember.’ So, I know he will soak it in, but this is really special to know that `he is the first, and hopefully the first of many.”
Hooping with the Grizzlies from 2009 to 2017, Z-Bo anchored Memphis during seven straight trips to the NBA’s Western Conference Playoffs. The mountaintop was Memphis’ 2013 appearance in the Western Conference Finals.
A two-time NBA All-Star selection (2010, 2013), Randolph/Z-Bo grabbed more offensive rebounds than any Grizzlies player ever and is number two in defensive and total rebounds. He recorded more double-doubles than any other player to take the court for Memphis. And in the categories of points, field goals made and minutes played, he ranks third.
Most of the fans in attendance for the game against Houston stayed for the ceremony.
There were notables aplenty on hand, including LeMoyne-Owen College coach Bonzi Wells (a former Grizzlies player, 2003-05), who played with Z-Bo in Portland, and former Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins. Marc Gasol, who teamed with Randolph, Mike Conley Jr., and Tony Allen to form the “Core Four” that powered Memphis to its NBA glory, made the trip from Spain.
“Seeing Big Spain (Gasol), I don’t remember the last time I saw him,” Randolph said.
“Just seeing my big little brother brought back memories. I am thankful he graced his time with me, coming all the way from Spain. He could be anywhere. I didn’t expect him to come.”
Conley and others conveyed their love and respect for Z-Bo via video messages featured on the overhead scoreboard screen.
Dillon Brooks, who came up big against the Rockets (25 points), called the postgame ceremony amazing.
“It is motivational. I am happy for Z-Bo. I didn’t get to see him play. I was here the year he left. I know his story and the legacy he left with this city. When I go to the gas station, you always hear his name.
Z-Bo his mark on the city. I want to be the same way with my number in the rafters.”
Tyus Jones, who continues to ably man the point guard spot in the absence of Ja Morant (sprained knee, virus protocols), said watching the ceremony was “a cool moment.…
“Everyone that played against him knows the competitor he was and respects him for that,” he said. “Everyone is happy for him. Everyone knows what he means not only for the city but the organization.”
Asked about the day/night of celebration, Randolph said, “It is starting to sink in with all of the love I am getting. I am just taking it all in and I a grateful. I have my kids here and the people I love.”
Z-Bo reflects on ‘#50ForDaCity’ documentary on his career, impact
