Sacramento Kings power forward Zach Randolph’s kind is a dying one. There aren’t just as many big men these days that would prefer operating at the low post than take perimeter shots as before. Randolph is already past his prime, something that he’s admitted to Ailene Voisin of The Sacramento Bee, but believes he could still carry the flag of old-school biggies for a little longer thanks to his conditioning.
While speaking about his offseason arrest due to marijuana possession, Randolph talked about the importance of being in great shape.
But back to Randolph’s pregame ritual and those sore limbs. His body isn’t what it used to be, he says, but he should be in better shape. He gained weight and his offseason conditioning routine was disrupted when he was arrested in Los Angeles on felony marijuana charges. The charges were reduced to misdemeanors, and if he completes a diversion program and 150 hours of community service, the case will be dismissed.
“It’s embarrassing,” he said, “but I tell the young guys, ‘Things happen in life. You grow from adversity.’ For me, just taking care of everything, dealing with all that stuff, really threw me off. I’ve got the type of body that’s top heavy, like Cuz (DeMarcus Cousins). But even though you’re built differently than slim guys like Skal or Willie (Cauley-Stein), that’s no excuse. You’ve got to be in shape.”
This late in his career, Randolph mostly serves as a mentor to his younger teammates in Sacramento, ut has played a little bit of his old self lately. Randolph has put up 16.3 points in the Kings’ last four games. He even played a big role in the Kings’ 94-86 upset win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, as the 36-year-old Randolph scored 18 points and cleaned the glass for eight boards.
Randolph signed a two-year $24-million contract with the Kings back in the summer after playing eight seasons for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Follow Us
Subscribe