Zach Randolph retires

[bdm860]

It seems like we a few different definitions of “aging unexpectedly gracefully” qualifications, but I'll throw a couple of names out there.

JJ Redick - he admitted he was a prick coming out of Duke, partied alot, and was considered the “most hated NCAA Basketball player in the country and maybe ever.”  His first few years in the league were very underwhelming, a lot of people thought he was another one of those great college players who wasn't athletic enough for the pros.  He didn't become a starter until he was 29. For the last several years, has he been viewed as anything but a classy guy and key piece for teams looking to contend?

edit - and I see Jvalin posting JJ Redick a little before me, tp.

Stephon Marbury - didn't age gracefully from the NBA, but I was surprised how well he adapted to China.  He played almost 300 games over there, and has Chinese plays and movies about him, as well as being on postage stamps and getting a statue.    A feel like a lot of former diva superstars can't handle the downgrade from the NBA to other leagues.  I thought for sure he'd be one of those guys who played a few games then quit (like Iverson).

[PhoSita]

Z-Bo did the best thing a player can do without winning a title or having a Hall of Fame career -- he was a core player on a signature team for a franchise.

Grit 'n Grind will be remembered fondly for ages despite the fact that they never made a Finals.

[Roy H.]

Does Shaq get a spot on the team? I give the man huge props for being a good teammate, citizen and player for the Celtics.

I think a lot of fans would say Ray Allen, but that’s a no-go in Boston.

[Neurotic Guy]

Sorry to say this, but I think Kareem really needs to be the center.  23.4 points in 33 mpg at 38 years old.  Still was averaging 15/6 at 40.

I guess now that I think of the aging gracefully criteria, it depends how you look at it with Kareem.  He accepted 2nd fiddle and he was still a force at an age when most are done, but the graceful aging re: personality -- not sure about that. 

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Not a Hall of Famer but a very good player, and it's great that he turned things around after having a bad reputation early in his career.

I've always wanted to know what the nickname Z-Bo means—I'm sure the Z is for Zach, but I've never been able to figure out the Bo part.

[PhoSita]

Does Shaq get a spot on the team? I give the man huge props for being a good teammate, citizen and player for the Celtics.

I just wish he'd had a chance to make a difference in the playoffs.

One of my lasting impressions of that season is how great they looked with Shaq catching passes down low from Rondo.  Even at age 40 nobody could stop him.

[greg683x]

Sorry to say this, but I think Kareem really needs to be the center.  23.4 points in 33 mpg at 38 years old.  Still was averaging 15/6 at 40.

I guess now that I think of the aging gracefully criteria, it depends how you look at it with Kareem.  He accepted 2nd fiddle and he was still a force at an age when most are done, but the graceful aging re: personality -- not sure about that.

yeah im looking at this as more of a major positive career trajectory change, whether it be character based or by play on the court.  I dont see that with Kareem

If this is a list where players had amazing careers into their 40s, then ok I can see Kareem.  But if this is the case, im surprised no one said Robert Parrish

[bdm860]

I've always wanted to know what the nickname Z-Bo means—I'm sure the Z is for Zach, but I've never been able to figure out the Bo part.

From the character Deebo from the Friday movies.

[Neurotic Guy]

Not a Hall of Famer but a very good player, and it's great that he turned things around after having a bad reputation early in his career.

I've always wanted to know what the nickname Z-Bo means—I'm sure the Z is for Zach, but I've never been able to figure out the Bo part.

Hah -- I always that it was like "Jimbo" -- you know, just a nickname with no real meaning.  But I am usually missing something -- especially if there is a pop-culture reference.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I've always wanted to know what the nickname Z-Bo means—I'm sure the Z is for Zach, but I've never been able to figure out the Bo part.

From the character Deebo from the Friday movies.

TP, my friend.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Not a Hall of Famer but a very good player, and it's great that he turned things around after having a bad reputation early in his career.

I've always wanted to know what the nickname Z-Bo means—I'm sure the Z is for Zach, but I've never been able to figure out the Bo part.

Hah -- I always that it was like "Jimbo" -- you know, just a nickname with no real meaning.  But I am usually missing something -- especially if there is a pop-culture reference.

I'm also a little behind on pop culture references, especially if they're from the last decade or so!

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Does Shaq get a spot on the team? I give the man huge props for being a good teammate, citizen and player for the Celtics.

I just wish he'd had a chance to make a difference in the playoffs.

One of my lasting impressions of that season is how great they looked with Shaq catching passes down low from Rondo.  Even at age 40 nobody could stop him.

One of the great "what ifs" in Celtics history. Shaq was unstoppable early that season, and so were the Cs. Alas ...