5 Reasons Why Zach Randolph Will Improve Upon Last Season

Zach Randolph had what could be called the greatest single-season performance in Memphis Grizzlies history in 2010-11.  Randolph set a Grizzlies record with 12.2 rebounds per game, third in the NBA.  He was second in the league in offensive rebounds.  Also, Randolph had his fifth season averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Further, Randolph pulled the Grizzlies through a tough stretch after Rudy Gay was lost to injury.  Then he led the Grizzlies to their first playoff series victory.  The Grizzlies pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games.

Some might wonder whether Randolph, entering a new four-year contract at age 30, has reached his peak or can reach higher.

Following are five reasons why Randolph will improve upon last season.

Strong Offseason and Lockout Play

Randolph has worked through the offseason and lockout with determination.  He has focused on a new training program called chameleon training.

Randolph described the training program on a 1070 AM Indianapolis radio show.

"It's like special ops and I'm just training and it's really tough.  The trainer told me the training I had been doing had been illusion training, like I had been doing fake training all these years.  It's something different for me and it's good for me."

Seemingly, Randolph has brought a new focus to training.  This will be a great aid for him.

Also, Randolph has remained competitive.  Randolph has played in Impact Basketball in Las Vegas and traveled with the Goodman League team.  Recently, Randolph has indicated that if the beginning of the season is delayed, he will follow Marc Gasol to the playing location of Gasol's choice.

Randolph Is at His Peak

At age 30, Randolph is at his athletic peak. 

This is a good indicator that he will be able to push himself to a new height in his career.  Randolph will maximize his energy at his athletic peak.  He will be able to push about as hard as he has in his career.

This is a crucial juncture in Randolph's career and seeing what he can make of this season will be exciting.

Rudy Gay's Return Will Ease Pressure off Randolph

Rudy Gay, who may be the best pure scorer for the Grizzlies, will help Randolph improve upon last season with his return.

Gay will come back strong now that he's recovered from elbow surgery.  Gay will play like anew this season.  He will regain his shot.  Gay will play harder.

This will take pressure off of Randolph as he  will be able to focus more on his game.  Instead of trying to carry the team, Randolph will establish his role in the post, which will lead to better shooting percentages and more effective defense.

Randolph Has Shown Commitment to the Team

Randolph has shown great commitment to the Grizzlies.  His plan to follow Gasol overseas for play during the lockout and practicing with his teammates during the offseason proves this. Randolph has also spoken supportively of rookie Josh Selby, which shows a commitment to improvement.

Randolph Has His Eyes on a Deep Playoff Run

As he is committed to the Grizzlies, Randolph is committed to their success.  Randolph's training has shown that he wants to go deeper than the second round of the playoffs.  During his interview on 1070 AM Indianapolis, Randolph also spoke of a desire to go deeper in the playoffs.

"Winning the playoffs, going to the second-round Game 7, it just got us hungry.  We want to win a championship and to tell you the truth, we are really ready to compete."

Believing is the first step to winning the championship.  The future will determine whether the Grizzlies can achieve it.  If they do it this season, it will be with an improved season by Randolph.