I miss Z-Bo

I am watching the Grizzlies game against the Cavs on NBA TV and it really makes me sad watching the force that is Z-Bo dominating for another team. The Knicks were wise to take the deal, but Donnie Walsh sure didn't show his usual patience with dealing Z-Bo. If the Knicks held on to Z-Bo last season, they would have probably finished better off than they did. They might have got a better player in the draft if they had a better record and picked in the late lottery (Lawson would be my guess, how cool would that be?). Also, Z-Bo's contract does not look so as bad since you only have to pay him for one more year. The Knicks would be looking to deal Z-Bo now, and I am pretty sure he would be putting up over 20 ppg and 10 rpg. In the end it was too risky not to deal at the first offer, since we now hypothetically can get LeBron or Wade. Joe Johnson would be nice too, but beyond him I really don't rate Bosh that much higher than Z-Bo.

Z-Bo was a graceful scorer for the Knicks, and his interesting look and equally interesting attitude and play style made for great entertainment. His jumpshot did not involve jumping, and in fact he rarely jumped at all. D'Antoni did like Zach's game, and might be looking to sign him when Curry and Jeffries expire for 2011, in my dreamworld. For more of my thoughts on the greatness that was Zach Randolph, check out my tribute to him.

I now leave you with this quote from the Memphis Grizzlies announcer, with a bit of a southern twang,

"Zach Randolph has done it all year for the Grizzlies. Just don't know if there could have been a better fit for the Grizzlies than Zach Randolph. Lemme tell you what, I'm gonna say off the court too. He has been absolutely a dream and every time the grizzlies do something, it's 3 rookies and zach. He's there everytime."

Wow never thought I'd hear anyone say such kind words for Zach, but good work Z-Bo.

Also, check out this story about Randolph's untradeable contract. Interesting read in hindsight (they underestimated Isiah Thomas). This guy may have been ahead of his time talking about the value of the 2010 free agent crop, and there are some real funny comments that he was way off. For example, the guy says Eddy Curry is a reasonably decent value at under 12,000,000, but says Jason Richardson is more borderline untradeable.


Update: The Grizz went on to win the game in OT behind a monster night from Z-Bo. 32 points on 19 shots, 14 rebounds (7 offensive), 4 steals, 2 assists, a block (!) and only 1 turnover. The Bull is a monster.