After announcing his retirement earlier this week, 17-year NBA veteran Zach Randolph took to Twitter early Saturday to confirm the end of his career in a heartfelt post.
“I gave this game my all, and it gave everything back and more. Basketball will always be a part of me,” he wrote. “From Marion, to East Lansing, to Portland, NY, LA, Memphis and Sacramento and everyone in between — thank you all for an incredible journey.
“Special thank you to the Memphis Grizzlies and entire city which I will forever call home, my family for always supporting me — my mom, brother and sisters for taking this journey with me, the Portland Trail Blazers for taking a chance on a young kid from Marion, Coach Moe Smedley, Coach Tom Izzo, Commissioners David Stern and Adam Silver for the opportunity, all the NBA organizations, front offices, staff, and every single teammate. To my agent Raymond Brothers — you’ve not only been my agent my whole career, you’ve been my big brother as well.
One love. Z-Bo”
Randolph, 38, seemed intent on getting one more shot in the NBA just a few months ago, stating he “ain’t retired yet.” However, after not finding another opportunity, he decided to call it quits.
It was a stellar career for the two-time All-Star as he suited up for five teams (Blazers, Knicks, Clippers, Grizzlies, Kings), played in several NBA postseasons and netted north of $200MM for his career.
Great career z-bo
Not sure crescendo is the right word
Happy he can go out on a high note with lots of positive memories!
Hope he put some $$ away. Don’t want to see another multimillionaire ex basketball player bankruptcy & end up like Iverson.
Why is that your first thought on Z-Bo retiring? Stop worrying about another man’s money, especially black men. It’s really weird.
3,279 offensive rebounds, 22nd 0n the all time list from a guy who didn’t get them from jumping out of the building. Even Kareem is looking up at Zach when it comes to offensive boards. 10,208 total rebounds, 38th on that list. To say, Randolph worked hard doesn’t begin to explain it. . Imagine if ______ worked that hard. (You fill in the blank, there’s plenty of names to choose from.
Class act.