Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph all set to make a comeback soon - NBA Update
Memphis Grizzlies are 22-15 midway through the condensed NBA season. The fact that they have achieved this in the absence of arguably their best player from last season - Zach Randolph – makes it even more impressive.
The good news for the team is that Randolph, who has been out of action for more than two months because of a torn knee ligament, will be making a comeback this month.
The power forward, for the first time after the injury, took part in the team’s practice session on Monday night- a sign that he will soon be seen in a Grizzlies outfit. However, one thing for sure is that he will not be part of Grizzlies in the team’s three game road trip starting Monday.
Although his ligament has healed, but Randolph is cautious and wants to give himself further time for recovery, so that he does not have to face another setback after the return. According to him, whenever he would feel that he is completely fit to play, only then will he return to the court, despite the fact that team doctors and trainers have declared him fit.
"It all depends on how I feel. Hopefully, it'll be soon," Randolph said, adding that his roadblock is now psychological. "It's just the mental part of it for me. You want to go out there and do what you know you can do. I just want to know that it's stable, know that I'm not going to come down and tweak anything."
Surprisingly Randolph, despite the injury, did not look tentative during the session as he ran fearlessly with the ball and did not even hesitated in banging with his other team mates. On few occasions he was spotted tussling with his team mate, Marreese Speights, for the possession of the ball.
"I felt all right. I got out there and got some contact," said Randolph, who must wear a knee brace while he plays. "It's progress. But I've got a long way to go with my conditioning and timing. I know my knee is stronger."
The decision to give himself some more time seems calculated as there is still time left in the NBA season and the most important part is yet to come. Grizzlies would be doomed if Randolph faces another setback before the playoffs and seem to be in no rush to bring him back.
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