Grizzlies honors Grit-and-Grind era legend Zach Randolph with clothing retirement

When thinking about the 20-year history of the Grizzlies series in Memphis, the most successful era is undeniably the “Grit-and-Grind” period of the 2010s.

While the Grizzlies had three consecutive playoffs from 2004 to 2006, all three games resulted in first-round elimination. They went through a drought for four years after those first appearances, after which the likes of Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Tony Allen, to name a few, changed their brand. Grizzlies basketball.

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Behind that quartet, Memphis turned to tough play and physical strength in defence while sharing the riches in attack. It made seven consecutive playoffs from 2011 to 2017, going further to the Western Conference Finals in 2013.

All four pillars of the “Grit-and-Grind” era have entered other phases of their careers, with Randolph and Allen retired, Gasol returning to Spain and Conley still playing for the Utah Jazz .

The franchise is set to honor Allen when he retires at the end of the season, but in Saturday night’s competition with the Houston Rockets, Randolph took the flower first.

Randolph was a two-time All-Star in Memphis, averaging 16.8 points and 10.2 rebounds over eight seasons. He’s carved his name all over the franchise’s all-time charts, placing in the top 5 across a number of different categories.

The Grizzlies won 113-106 in his honor, and there are plenty of sights and sounds to take in along the way.

Sights and sounds: Zach Randolph .’s Grizzlies Retirement

Before things begin, it’s a good idea to review a standout period of his career in Memphis.

Had lots of Z-Bo jerseys in attendance and Jaren Jackson Jr even walked through the Pregame tunnel in their handy uniforms.

Best surprise of the night: Gasol had arrived from Spain to attend the retirement of his bruised partner.

Randolph’s former college head coach, the all-time great Tom Izzo, took part in the chants…

… as well as Tennessee legend Peyton Manning and longtime rival Chris Paul, who had several fights with the Grizzlies while he was with the LA Clippers.

His former teammates Rudy Gay and Matt Barnes are also in attendance, as are other former rivals such as Stephen Jackson.

He received a standing ovation from the FedEx Forum crowd with chants of “Z-Bo”.

And Dillon Brooks even took the win for man of the night after the game.

And the tribute video narrated by Ice Cube was done perfectly.

And finally, the moment of the night.

Congratulations, Z-Bo.