The Memphis Grizzlies sent an open letter to their former building block, forward Zach Randolph, who agreed to a two-year deal with the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.
The organization also chose to retire his jersey number 50, letting the Memphis native live forever in the rafters of the “The Grindhouse.”
“The eight years Zach spent in the mud, in Memphis, are special,” the letter read. “They are filled with franchise-defining basketball success, but they are so clearly about more than that. Every Memphian felt it and all of us believe it.”
“Zach helped establish what it means to play for the Grizzlies on the court and in the community, and in doing so helped forge an identity for our City. His numerous on the court accomplishments speak for themselves. He is our all-time leader in field goals, rebounds and of course, takedowns.”
Randolph's physical style of play as a rugged rebounder and punishing low-post player helped mold the franchise into what it's been for the better part of the decade — a playing style that identified with the fans and their blue-collar approach.
Thank you… For believing in the color of our collars. For embodying the soul of a city. And for never bluffing.https://t.co/laMa2rrzkP
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) July 6, 2017
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