FanPost

Giving Z-Bo his due


I'm in the minority of Blazer fans that enjoyed Zach Randolph's game and didn't want to see him go. I acknowledge he was a knucklehead, but believe he would have fit in here with the right leadership around him. Zach is a follower, and therefore generally adjusted his lifestyle to those he companied with. With McMillan, Roy, and Prichard in town, and with the elimination of Miles, Sheed, Damon, etc., I believe he would have eventually come around here. There was never an issue with his work ethic and his desire to play. He even worked exceptionally hard to come back strong from micro-fracture surgery.

That being said, despite always being on the short list of "snubs", he has never made the All Star team. His teams performed poorly when he was the designated go-to guy and his reputation of a bad defender didn't help either. Nevertheless, I believe he has matured significantly and his performance this season should be recognized. He has played within his strengths to lead his team in scoring and rebounding. Few players have a nose for loose balls like he does and such a soft touch around the rim. He is finally over 50% from the field as well. And, most importantly, the Grizz are winning and he is a big reason for it.

I'm glad he is finally settling in to a situation where he can perform well without all the distraction.

Please don't confuse this post for a anti-LMA rant either. I love Aldridge and believe he will eventually be an All-Star as well. I am just happy for Zach and believe if he doesn't make the team this year, it will be the first time he is truly snubbed.