It was an unforgettable night for Grizzlies fans and the city of Memphis on Saturday night at the FedExForum.
Despite the Grizzlies’ 113-106 victory over the Houston Rockets, the night belonged to Zachary McKenley Randolph, better known as Z-Bo. Randolph’s number 50 was the first jersey retired in franchise history.
Randolph shed light on his feelings after being traded to Memphis in 2009. “I didn’t feel appreciated. I felt given away,” Randolph said during his media availability before the game. “But I was going to go in there with the right attitude and try to change the narrative.”
And he did change that narrative.
Randolph led the Grizzlies to seven straight playoff appearances (2009-17), including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2013. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2011 and appeared in two All-Star Games (2010 and 2013).
The Michigan State alum is the Grizzlies all-time leader in offensive rebounds. Z-Bo also ranks second in both defensive and total rebounds. For Memphis, he had the most double-doubles of any player ever, and he ranks third in the categories of points, field goals, made and minutes played.
What a special night for a special player and a special person, said Grizzlies head Coach Taylor Jenkins. “To be out there as a team — some of the guys were saying it on the way back — it’s inspirational, it’s motivational. Just understanding the impact you can make as a player in this city, as a member of this community.”
Jenkins continued: “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. 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.”
Randolph’s front court mate and brother from another mother, Marc Gasol flew all the way from Spain to surprise him.
“Seeing Big Spain [Gasol], I don’t remember the last time I saw him,” Randolph said with a big smile. “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.”
Here’s the moment Gasol surprised Z-Bo:
Gasol wasn’t the only special guest in attendance. Former GM Chris Wallace, former Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins, former Grizzlies player Bonzi Wells (who was Randolph’s mentor and Portland Trail Blazers teammate) were also in attendance.
Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, JaMychal Green, Matt Barnes, Tom Izzo, Yo Gotti, Peyton Manning, Nate McMillan, Moneybagg Yo, and Chris Paul all sent well wishes and congratulations to Randolph via video messages on the Jumbotron.
Hilariously and in Grizzlies fan fashion, Paul was booed while the video played.
And it was a special presentation narrated by Ice Cube:
Connie Kirby, a longtime season ticket holder and the number one Z-Bo fan, was in attendance to witness history. Kirby said, “I think that the Grizzlies provided Z-Bo an opportunity to change his image and show his more human side. He was able to display his likability and that he is a humanitarian. I think it helped solidify his name in the NBA Hall of Fame. The passion that he brought to the game. His workhorse ability to go to the next level when needed. We could always depend on him to do his part. He made you love him with his great, affable personality.”
Kirby continued: “He meant everything to the city of Memphis, because of the things that he brought to the table and the way he handled himself while doing it. He really became an ambassador for Memphis. He embodies the Memphis mentality of ‘if you work hard, you can achieve on many levels.’”
“Z-Bo will always be my favorite Grizzly hands down,” Kirby said. “It’s very fitting that 50 is the first jersey that the Memphis Grizzlies have retired.”
Former Commercial Appeal beat writer Ron Tillery weighed in on Randolph. He told the Flyer, “Zach is the most authentic person/player I’ve covered regularly next to the likes of Gary Payton, Horace Grant, and Steve Kerr. What you see is what you get and I’ve always respected that. Plus, Zach came to Memphis and was determined to turn around this city from Day 1.”
“The first time I interviewed him I asked him a lot of questions about his so-called checkered past. He stopped me and said ‘Why are you asking me these questions?’ I said I was told to and this is the only time I’ll do this. Zach was respectful and professional and then he proceeded to go kick ass for Memphis and change the minds of naysayers who didn’t know his game and didn’t know his heart. Because the Memphis media did what they often do and judged the man without even getting to know him.”
Tillery added, “Zach was different by how he became the franchise player in Memphis. I covered Michael Jordan during the Bulls’ second three-peat. I covered Gary Payton in his prime with Seattle. They were players who dominated on the perimeter. Zach was just a beast on the block and on the boards. He was a good teammate and never shied away from big moments just like the all-time greats, Zach got the party started in Memphis by being the best player on the floor and he did it on the low block. Jordan and Payton had enforcers. Zach was everything for the Grizzlies, including the enforcer. He gave the team toughness and an identity. That’s the difference.”
He went on to say, “The best era of Grizzlies basketball doesn’t happen without Zach Randolph. Don’t believe the hype about other players. Zach elevated the franchise with his elite play. Marc Gasol needed Zach to reach his level. He helped make Lionel Hollins a viable NBA head coach and kept Chris Wallace employed as a GM. He meant everything to the franchise.”
“As for the city, Zach came up poor in a small town near Indianapolis. He knew what it was like to be Black and poor. Zach has a big heart and everything he did for Memphians — paying bills, giving his shirt off his back, etc. — came from love. He wanted to love the city all the time because the city loved him. The franchise committed to Zach and he appreciated that because it was the first time in his career that he was treated like the man. He realized that was a big responsibility, I can say the same about the city. Once fans got past the false narratives and embraced Zach, this man poured himself into this town. And I’ll always remember how much he made “regular people” feel like family every time he was in public. Zach was never above his following.”
Grizzlies TV analyst Brevin Knight shared his memories of Randolph as well. Knight told the Flyer, “The things that were most memorable were the battles with the Clippers and how Z-Bo in an age of athleticism he was still able to dominate never relying on it. He always stayed true to his game.”
“Z-Bo had the most synergetic relationship with this city. I don’t know how many players’ games exemplified the city in which they played as much as Z-Bo. His blue collar hard-working style of play is what the city is known for. The city opened their arms up and he became a fabric of the community with all of his philanthropic work. He embodies Memphis vs. Errrbody.”
Knight concluded “I’d like to say I enjoyed every night knowing we weren’t the flashiest team but we had a chance because of the big fella. He brought a sense of belief with the other three cornerstones. No matter how big of a star he was on the court, he was just Zach off and that’s how he made everyone feel comfortable and important. Thanks big fella!”
“It was amazing — it was motivational and I am happy for Z-Bo,” said Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks of the retirement ceremony. “It was a special thing to see. I did not get to see him; I was there the year he left, when he played for Sacramento. I know his story. I know his legacy he left in this city. I hear it — when I go to the gas station, I always hear his name. Does not matter if it is the person working there or a guy that is outside. Z-Bo left his mark on the city, and it is a special thing to see. It was motivational for me because I want to be the same way, I want to get my number in the rafters. It was just special to see.”
Grizzlies players Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. also paid tributes to Randolph.
My favorite memory of him is when he ran off the court after being ejected from the game and Tony Allen popped his collar in Game 6 against Clippers in 2013. One of the greatest moments in Grizzly history was witnessed.
Z-Bo will always hold the title of King of Memphis, to me. Off the court, he was a beloved figure in the community. He has a sincere concern for the welfare of others. It’s not just a photo op when he gives back. A lot of people knew that it was genuine. You’d hear about him doing nice things for people when they weren’t expecting it even when the cameras weren’t rolling.
“I’m going to be part of this city forever,” Randolph said. “I wouldn’t trade it for nothing in the world.”
Yes, Z-Bo and Memphis wouldn’t trade you for nothing in the world, either. Congratulations, 50 for da City, you made us proud and it has been an honor.