Zach Randolph is one of the most underrated free agents this year. Even though he will soon turn 36, Randolph is still a great player and he can be a decent starter on NBA team. After spending last eight years in Memphis playing for the Grizzlies, Randolph might sign with another team this summer, and that team could be the Cleveland Cavaliers as they are interested in him.
Beside being capable of playing as a starter, Randolph doesn't mind playing off the bench either, which works for the Cavaliers. He was mostly a starter on the Grizzlies, but he only started in five games last season.
Even as a backup big man, Zach did a great job and was one of the best bench players in the league.
As a matter of fact, Zach Randolph finished fourth in Sixth Man of the Year award voting and he received two first-place votes for the award as well.
Zach Randolph's impact
Standing at 6'9", Zach Randolph can play at either the four or the five. Although his natural position is power forward, Randolph can be a good center as well, especially in small-ball lineups. The Cavaliers could definitely use him in the post as he's a decent scorer and he would also help the team with rebounding. With 8.2 rebounds per game last season, Randolph was one of the best rebounders of the bench.
Beside his rebounding and scoring, the big man is a solid defender and he is very experienced.
He's appeared in 70 playoff games as well, and even though he hasn't won a championship ring, the veteran could definitely help Cleveland, both on and off the court.
The Cavaliers would most likely use him as a backup as they have Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson in the starting lineup. One of the biggest problems the Cavaliers had last season was bench production as the team would lose lead whenever starters, especially LeBron James, take rest.
Randolph could easily fill this void and further improve the Cavaliers' bench.
Contract negotiations
According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, Zach Randolph will meet with teams in Los Angeles. So far, four teams have shown interested in him. Beside the Cavaliers, there are the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Oklahoma City Thunder who are interested in his services.
While Randolph is free to choose which team he wants to sign with, there is no doubt that, in Cleveland, he'd be in the best position to win a championship ring. The Cavaliers are expected to get in touch with the big man on Saturday and there's a good chance they will come to an agreement.
