Image Source: NBA.com
[Jolly Sports News] Former NBA star Zach Randolph recently reflected on the emotional impact of leaving the Memphis Grizzlies.
Speaking on the ‘Run Your Race’ podcast with Theo Pinson, Randolph candidly discussed his disappointment at not being re-signed by the team where he spent eight memorable seasons.
When asked by Pinson if he wanted to retire as a Grizzly, Randolph didn’t hold back, “Yes. That f**ked me up. When they didn’t sign me back, that f**ked me up. That’s my city. I love that city and the people in it. Just being there, getting the city behind us, and building something from scratch—it was hard. I was blessed to go to Sacramento with coach [Dave] Joerger, my guy. But after that, I retired.”
Randolph’s connection to Memphis remains unshaken, even though his departure left him feeling hurt. When asked if he held a grudge, he admitted, “I did because I wanted to be there. I would have taken a player minimum—that’s how much I f**ked with the organization and the people in the city. But it all worked out. That’s my city. I’m doing a lot with the team now, and it was a great time there.”
Randolph played 17 seasons in the NBA before retiring in 2019, including eight impactful years with the Grizzlies. During his time in Memphis, he averaged 16.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 551 games, earning two All-Star nods and an All-NBA Third Team selection in 2011. He was also a driving force behind the Grizzlies’ “Grit and Grind” era, which included a franchise-record 56-win season in 2013 and their first trip to the Western Conference Finals.
In 2021, the Grizzlies retired Randolph’s No. 50 jersey, honoring his legacy with the franchise. Despite the bittersweet nature of his exit, Randolph remains deeply tied to the team and the city he calls home.
“Memphis is my city,” Randolph reiterated during the podcast, underscoring his enduring bond with the community that embraced him throughout his career.
