MEMPHIS (AP) – Lilisanin ni Zach Randolph ang Memphis na taas-noo at respetado nang Grizzlies fans.
Ipinahayag ni Memphis general manager Chris Wallace at president of business operation Jason Wexler ang pagbibigay ng parangal kay Randolp nitong Biyernes (Sabado sa Manila).
“Thank you for all the joy and magical moments too numerous to count. Thank you for the energy and excitement you brought each and every night to FedExForum. Thank you for your leadership and service. Thank you for your larger than life impact and for keeping all Memphians warm. Thank you,” pahayag ni Wallace sa isang open letter.
Naglabas naman ng hiwalay na sulat si Grizzlies owner Robert Pera at ipinahayag na ireretiro ng Memphis ang jersey No.50 ni Randolp bilang pagkilala sa kanyang nagawa sa koponan.
“You helped turn a lottery team into a perennial playoff contender. You helped make a basketball team a model of community service. Thank you for all that you put into this community and organization. #50 will never be worn by another member of the Memphis Grizzlies,” sambit ni Pera.
Pumayag si Randolph sa alok na two-year, $24 million ng Sacramento Kings para pormal na tapusin ang samahan sa Grizzlies sa nakalipas na walong taon.
Tangan ng 16-year NBA vet ang averaged 14.1 puntos, at 8.2 rebound sa sa bench.