Grizzlies' Fizdale: Randolph will come off the bench this season

Zach Randolph has started 441 of his 478 appearances with the Memphis Grizzlies, but the two-time All-Star will come off the bench this season, head coach David Fizdale told reporters Wednesday.

"Let's not beat around the bush. He can be the Sixth Man of the Year," Fizdale said of Randolph,

He added that Randolph took the news of his second-unit role very well.

Fizdale's plans for the starting power forward role remain to be seen. Chandler Parsons signed a four-year, $94-million contract in the summer, but only 24 percent of his career minutes have come at the four spot. The other power forwards on the roster - JaMychal Green, Deyonta Davis, and Jarell Martin - are young and inexperienced.

Randolph is entering his 16th NBA season and eighth with the Grizzlies. He averaged 15.3 points and 7.8 rebounds on 47.5 percent shooting last season, missing 14 games with knee and ankle issues.