During the preseason, I wrote, “I don’t think anybody should let (Zach Randolph) know he’s the best offensive player on the second unit.”
Why would I say that? I assumed two things:
- Randolph’s usage would skyrocket when surrounded by young, inexperienced players, something the Grizzlies’ have a plethora of.
- Carrying the entire offensive load of the bench unit would decrease his scoring efficiency and effort on the defensive end and on the glass.
I was right, but also extremely wrong. Despite a usage rate at 34.5—the highest rate for power forwards last year, by the way, was 29.