Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph (L). (Photo : Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies reportedly moved prized power forward Zach Randolph to the bench, indicating that the team is exploring a potential change in playing style and identity.
ESPN reported that Randolph, who is the embodiment of Memphis' "Grit N' Grind" style that has symbolized the team for years, together with wing man Tony Allen will be moved to the bench and will be replaced by Matt Barnes and Courtney Lee in the starting unit.
Just one look at the replacements and one can easily figure out that head coach David Joerger is planning a smaller and faster lineup, alien to previous Grizz standards but in line with today's NBA trend.
With the change, Jeff Green will slide at the power forward spot to become a stretch four, Barnes will be at his usual small forward role, Lee is a faster and more potent offensive force than Allen at the shooting guard position, while Mike Conley and Marc Gasol retain their point guard and center duties.
"It's going to be for a while. Our team's changing," said Joerger. "And it's nobody's fault. It's not a blame game. It's a different opportunity to do different things."
However, recent rumors have emerged that Randolph may be on the Grizzlies' trading block this midseason as Memphis could go all-out in their change of team persona moving forward.
Actually, Cheat Sheet's Ryan Davis projected when the season had just begun that Z-Bo might be dealt before the February deadline next year, saying that at 34-years-old, he is the oldest and most dispensable of the team's Big Three of himself, Conley, and Gasol.
Some of the teams reportedly interested in Randolph are "the New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, and Dallas Mavericks".
