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Zach Randolph is the first Grizzlies player in the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame

Zach Randolph is the first Grizzlies player in the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame

Memphis Grizzlies star Zach Randolph stood in front of a group of cameras, the lights shining directly on his forehead as he talked about his latest accomplishment.

Sorry, Zach!

Marcus “Head” Howell, who co-founded the record label NLess Entertainment with Randolph, stepped in with a handful of black napkins to present to the sweating, 6-foot-tall Randolph.

“You know I’m hot under these lights,” Randolph replied.

This might be one of the few times the lights were too bright for Randolph, who was honored at the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday night at the Renasant Convention Center.

Randolph, who learned he had been elected to the Hall at halftime of a Memphis game last season, is the first former Grizzlies player to receive the honor. He joins former Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley and former coach Lionel Hollins as representatives of the organization.

“Man, it’s a big honor,” Randolph said. “I am grateful. I love this city.”

He was joined by 10 other inductees in the 2024 class, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White, Memphis Tigers basketball great Andre Turner and broadcast legend Jarvis Greer.

Kevin Kane, president and CEO of Memphis Tourism, said more former Grizzlies players should soon join Randolph in the Hall – particularly the other members of the “Core Four” of Tony Allen, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol.

Allen was present with Randolph on Wednesday. The two played together in Memphis for seven seasons, and Allen was in a better spot than most as he witnessed the impact Randolph had not only on the floor but off it as well.

“One of the things he’s going to do is show his love for the community,” Allen said. “He will return to the less fortunate. It will cover the places where you don’t expect to see most celebrities.”

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Randolph played eight seasons with the Grizzlies (2009 to 2017) during his 17-year NBA career, during which time he led them to seven consecutive playoff runs and became a two-time All-Star.

Since his retirement, he has continued to leave his mark on Memphis. In addition to his record label, he works for the Grizzlies organization.

“I love this community, I love the people here,” said Randolph, an Indiana native. “This is my home.”

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.