Memphis Grizzlies star forward Zach Randolph out for upto eight weeks - NBA Update
Memphis Grizzlies performed way above its expectations and stunned everyone last season by making it to the Western Conference semi finals.
The secret of their extraordinary success lied with their front court duo of Marc Gasol and power forward Zach Randolph. Z.Bo in particular was a class apart and emerged as one of the most prolific low post scorers and rebounders
last season. He had not entirely been in his zone so far into the season, but given the jam packed schedule, his guile held the key for the Grizzlies charge.
Unfortunately though, they will now have to continue the journey without him for upto eight weeks.
Just few days back, the star forward tore his right knee’s ligament and although the Grizzlies had initially stated that it was a just a bruise, it turns out that their assessment was completely wrong.
This is a mighty blow to Grizzlies without a doubt and can hurt the team big time but then again, such unfortunate developments are common in NBA.
"That's life," a resigned coach Lionel Hollins said. "You have to go and play. He's not going to be here. We can't worry about what ifs and what we should do to get him back. This is where we are."
Randolph injured his knee in the first quarter of a humiliating loss against Chicago Bulls. The incident happened when reserve guard O.J Mayo, after attempting a jumper, landed on Randolph’s knees. Although the injury did not
look threatening at that moment, but after an MRI was conducted, it turned out to be a disastrous one, involving torn ligaments.
Although, no word has come out from Randolph yet, but his partner from last season, Gasol immediately made a comment and a positive one indeed.
"It doesn't matter what happens, we've got to (move on)," Gasol said. "Our reality is that he's not here. The truth is he's not here and we've got to play and we've got to win."
Grizzlies have played one game since Randolph injury and it was a convincing win. Despite his absence, the team scored 72 points in the paint which is a good sign for the team.
Now with him out for at least two months, all eyes would be on Rudy g*y and Gasol to lead the team forward.
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