Zach Randolph

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Randolph's arrival in Memphis on July 17, 2009, marked the beginning of the most successful era in franchise history. In his third season with the Grizzlies (2011), he helped guide the eighth-seeded team to a historic first-round upset over the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs. The series featured Randolph scoring a then playoff career-high 31 points in the decisive sixth game, including 17 points in the fourth quarter alone. This victory gave the Grizzlies their first four wins and first-ever playoff series win in franchise history. Later that season, on April 18, 2011, he agreed to a four-year extension worth $71 million with $66 million guaranteed. The following year, Randolph was named to his second All-Star game during the 2012–13 season, where he helped lead Memphis to its first-ever Western Conference Finals appearance after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.

In Their Own Story

On May 15, 2013, Zach Randolph delivered a masterclass that propelled the Grizzlies into the franchise's first Western Conference Finals. In the close-out game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he scored a team-high 28 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to secure the victory. Although the Grizzlies were eventually swept by the San Antonio Spurs in four games, Randolph's consistency remained a constant throughout his Memphis tenure. His physical dominance was evident on November 30, 2016, when he recorded his first career triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Los Angeles Clippers. Even as he aged, his impact endured; on January 6, 2017, he scored 27 points off the bench in an overtime win over the Golden State Warriors, marking his highest total off the bench since 2006. His connection to the city was so profound that upon his departure, the Grizzlies announced his number would never be worn again.

Reader's Guide

Zach Randolph's statistical impact with Memphis is anchored by his ability to score and rebound at an elite level. He became the franchise's all-time leader in made field goals on November 2, 2016, passing Pau Gasol (3,324). Just weeks later, he moved up the NBA's all-time rebounding list, passing Vlade Divac for 46th place on November 23, 2016. His longevity was highlighted when he played in his 1,000th career game on December 6, 2016, becoming the 121st NBA player to reach that mark. Despite a suspension for punching Steven Adams during Game 7 of the 2014 playoffs against the Thunder, Randolph remained a cornerstone of the team until his trade to Sacramento in July 2017. His final days with Memphis included a season-high 35 points and 13 rebounds on December 8, 2017, while he was still technically under contract before being traded, though his last actual game for the Kings occurred later.

Did You Know?

• Randolph scored a playoff career-high 31 points against the San Antonio Spurs on April 29, 2011 (Game 6), but he was not the first Grizzlies player to score more than 31 points in a playoff game—Pau Gasol scored 36 point
• On May 15, 2013, Randolph led the Grizzlies to their first-ever Western Conference Finals appearance by scoring a team-high 28 points and grabbing 14 rebounds against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
• On December 11, 2021, Randolph's #50 jersey was retired by the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum, marking the first time the franchise has ever retired a number.
• In his final NBA game on March 19, 2018, Randolph played as the starting Center for the Sacramento Kings against the Detroit Pistons, recording 4 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds.