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Kings adding George Hill, Zach Randolph

The Kings came to agreements with some talent yesterday. George Hill is a starter-worthy guard. Power forward Zach Randolph is in his golden years but can make a bench better. Here’s the Sacramento Bee reporting:

The Kings knew their team was too young. Though committed to a youth movement, they were reluctant to rely mostly on inexperienced players, hoping they quickly learn from the mistakes they’ll make.

And the Kings have made it clear they want to change their losing culture, too.

The Kings made two deals Tuesday that show they won’t be content simply letting their inexperienced players stumble through the season, reaching agreements with point guard George Hill and power forward Zach Randolph, league sources confirmed.

Hill agreed to a three-year deal worth $57 million, with a partial guarantee for the third year. Randolph agreed to a two-year deal worth $24 million.

Zach Randolph coming off bench for Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are a disappointing 19-17 this season, and in an effort to regroup changed their starting lineup a while back. Here’s the Oklahoman reporting the latest on veteran power forward Zach Randolph, who has played 31 games this season but only started in 20 of them:

Zach Randolph continues to come off bench for Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies were throttled by 37 points in their last meeting against the Thunder. In that game, veteran Zach Randolph was a starter.

In 11 of the 14 games since that 125-88 blowout, however, the burly power forward has come off the bench for Memphis, as the Grizzlies have transitioned to a small ball lineup to start games. The Thunder’s small-ball efficiency in the two teams’ last matchup may have been a turning point for Memphis, as Matt Barnes has replaced Randolph as a starter at power forward.

“It’s not about you. If you feel a certain way and want to do something negative then you’re not professional,” Randolph told the Memphis Commercial Appeal about his role change. “I’m going to play and prove I can still do what I do.”

Since making the move to the bench, Randolph has shot 53 percent from the field in 25 minutes a game and is still finishing games. The Grizzlies, however, are only 5-6 in the latest string of non-starts for Randolph.

Zach Randolph fined $25,000 for public criticism of NBA officiating

Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph has been fined $25,000 for public criticism of officiating, it was announced today by Rod Thorn, President, Basketball Operations.

Randolph made his comments following the Grizzlies’ 100-92 loss to the Houston Rockets on Thursday, Dec. 26, at Toyota Center.

Playing without injured, defensive-minded star center Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies are 12-16 so far this season and sit last in the competitive Southwest division.

Zach Randolph leaves Grizzlies game as fiancee goes into labor

If there’s one reason for a professional basketball player to leave right in the middle of a game, this is it. The Associated Press reports:

Memphis forward Zach Randolph left the Grizzlies’ game Wednesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans when his fiancee, Faune, went into labor.

Randolph played 8 minutes of the first quarter and hit his only shot before leaving the arena in the second quarter.