Z-Bo and the Memphis Grizzlies: Unbelievable Upstarts!

Remember that guy you hated playing against?  He was ungainly and unorthodox.  He wore mixed-matched socks.  His uniform was too small or too big.  He was knock-kneed and crazy looking.  He wore horned-rimmed glasses or goggles that were held in place by rubber bans.  He looked like he belonged in the state mental hospital.  He certainly didn't belong under the arena lights with guys as cool as you.  He was weird. 

On top of all that he had severe halitosis.  His breath could kill a wild yak!

He couldn't run with you.  He couldn't jump with you.  He was not nearly as athletically gifted as you.  Yet, when he hit the hardwood he turned into a terror.  I don't what it is; but he can score the basketball.  He scores at will.  How in the world is he getting his shot off against me and my teammates?  Not only is he getting it off but he's making the shots.

He might have a 16" vertical at best but he's getting his shot off and we can't stop him.  His game is ugly.  It is nothing pretty to watch but he is most effective.  He is killing us!

I don't know if opposing players describe Zach Randolph in such terms but when I watch him that is what I see.  Z-Bo is a beast.  He is ghastly with an uncanny ability to score on anybody.  He can shoot a shot from a twisted contorted posture and make it 70 percent of the time.  How does he do it?  I don't know.

Kevin Durant has already stated what I have been afraid to say.  KD called him the best power forward in the game.  I refused to say that for a long time because his game is so UGLY!  He can't jump.  His game is not fluid.  Yet, he gets you 20 and 10 every time he hits the floor. 

Ask Tim Duncan, Pau Gasol, Chris Bosh—WHOEVER: "How do we stop him?"  They can't.  No one can.  Randolph annihilates whoever plays against him.

This is not a new thing.  He has been doing this for some time.  He has to be the most underrated player in the game today.  Well, that's about to end.  He's about to get unbridled recognition and notoriety.  Memphis is doing big things.  They are going places.

Randolph has a great supporting cast.  Marc Gasol is physical and bangs with the best in the paint.  He's not a soft as big brother Pau.  He's got a nasty side. 

Tony Allen is the best on-ball defender in the NBA.  That's right.  I said it!

I'll go further and say this.  Remember, you heard it hear first!

Memphis will be playing in the Western Conference Final.  Matter of fact, I see them playing in the NBA Championship Series.  I know that's a bold statement but that's what I see.

If this doesn't make you think I'm crazy; this will!  Memphis' opponent in the NBA Championship series will be the Atlanta Hawks. 

Imagine that.  NBA revenues will definitely be hurt.  Don't even think about the "lockout".