Comparative Study: Zach Randolph

I say the Kobes, Steve Nashes, Kevin Garnetts, Lebrons, Young Shaqs and Dwayne Wades are UBER-STARS who (usually) are untradeable and rule the league and that is indisputable.  Below them are the rest of the stars of the league...

The Vince Carters, Tracy McGradys, Jason Kidds, Jermaine O'Neal, Ray Allens, Michael Redds, Chris Boshes, Joe Johnsons, Lamar Odoms, AK-47s, Paul Pierces, Shawn Marions, Elton Brands, Baron Davises, Rashard Lewises, Rip Hamiltons, Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthonys, Ron Artests, Peja Stojakavics, Tim Duncans, Dirk Nowitzkis, Allen Iversons, and yes, the ZACH RANDOLPHs.  I say he has made the jump to this group this year, making the leap from the level of MEDIUM STARS.

Obviously, some Upper Tier Stars are better than others and some could be borderline UBER-stars (or go back and forth between uber and simply upper tier), but their game just isn't as otherworldly ALL THE TIME to be considered Uber.  Plus, although they aren't often traded, it is not unheard of and happens every year.

To clarify, I don't think Zach sometimes crosses the line from Upper Tier to UBER STAR.  But he definately is up there as an Upper Tier Star.      

Below Upper Tier are the MEDIUM STARS, like the Kirk Hinrichs, Ben Gordons, Jarrett Jacks, Tyson Chandlers, Mike Bibbys, Shane Battiers, Eddy Currys, Jamal Crawfords, Manu Ginoblis, Josh Howards, Al Harringtons, and so on.  Medium stars can have great games, usually are solid, but can't lead a team and carry them on their back NIGHT AFTER NIGHT.  A game here and there, sure.  I say Zach was a medium star last year.  Some of these guys are on their way up to Upper Tier like Zach did or on the way down like a Grant Hill.

Zach is a flawed superstar who does some things at the highest level in the NBA (low post scoring and offensive rebounding) and some things not as well and needs other players around him to cover those flaws.  Most of the players in the Upper Tier are like that too.  Most are bad at defense too (or don't even try), so when we complain about Zach's defensive liabilities, it's not really uncommon amongst his level of star.

There might be another step inbetween Upper Tier and Uber Star, one inhabited by Tim Duncans and Dirk Nowitzkis and others, but I just thought of this just now and don't feel like writing much more.  I'm sure everyone has scanned this briefly and moved on to the next post.  I can't say you missed much.

Zach is a star.  Just not the tippety top level of star.  That's still very good!  If he were to be traded, it would have to be for another star.  Trading him for salary cap space would be silly, for example.  He has made the jump where he has to be respected by us and others more than that.

I should note I didn't expect this from Zach, but I am happy to be surprised.

Mortimer  

     

Zach is the star of the Portland Trailblazers. The #1.....but I would have to say that I dont think he is in the top 20-25 players in the league. I just talking about value out on the court.
Do you remeber when Andre Miller was putting up rediculous numbers on a horrible Cleveland team? He then moved on to a quality team and his production leveled. This is how I see Zach. An excellent piece for the right team but nobody you should design the team around.
Ill say that Zach is right around the level of Michael Redd. He's another scorer who can will his team to wins and get a few pretty assists but you get absolutely nothing on the defensive end. Both are tremendously consistant and dont work well without the offense running through them.

There is something kind of magical about Zach's game.
For one, its just sooooooo ugly. so akward. Like watching Ron artest. These guys are the anti-jordans, the anti-mcgrady's. Zach is no frills, just power, power, power. I love it. In ways I feel like he's a real throwback. He would have been legendary in the 1970's or 80's. Before being 6-9 253 lbs. was "undersized". Back when they didnt make THAT much cash and maybe he had to do a little pimpin on the side. Rollin around in a coup deville, playin dominoes on the team bus. Before hip-hop culture, where hed be rockin some Marvin, Stevie and Al Green.

In terms of NBA value, which is what I think you asked for Dave, I would put him on the level right now of Ray Allen.  But I supposed if you think about it, Seattle could probably get more for Allen than we could get for Zach, therefore he may be a little short of that level (but probably not a ton short).  Zach's knee would lessen his value somewhat and I supposed Allen's age would lessen his to a similar degree.

Above posts equated his value to Michael Redd, but I think Redd would bring much more in a trade than Zach.  

I've been trying to think in the past who Zach is most like, because there really isn't a player like Zach in the NBA right now.  Larry Johnson in the 91-93 seasons reminded me a lot of Zach now - though Zach is a little more dominating with both hands, taller, and stronger.  We have to remember how young Zach is, and barring a back injury should continue to put up these numbers.

Larry Johnson was a franchise player and it was unthinkable to trade him until his injury.  Zach is much more difficult to consider due to his off court stuff.  On one hand, no one works harder on his game than Zach.  On the other, he still makes too many mistakes at this point in his career.

I just don't see how you can trade Zach, there's nothing you'll get back to him that gives us what he gives us now.  Zach, in many ways, is a unique player.