Though the offseason is dwindling down to an end with the NBA season now just weeks away, it was one of the most eventful summers in recent memory. We saw a myriad of big-name superstars switch teams whether it was via free agency or a trade. However, along with all the transactions, we also saw a slight spike in illegal off-court incidents involving NBA players.
Though the most recent example of this was Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder being arrested for a battery charge, the most notable offense came courtesy of newly-signed Kings big Zach Randolph.
Randolph was arrested on suspicion of marijuana possession with intent to sell and for resisting arrest earlier on in the summer in LA. Since the arrest was made, the felonious marijuana charges were dropped to two misdemeanors and have now been completely cleared after Randolph reached a plea deal.
Though he didn’t discuss it in length, ZBo recently touched on the unfortunate incident prior to his first training camp meeting with the Kings according to SacBee’s Ailene Voisin:
“I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Randolph maintained his innocence as he has during this entire legal process. The NBA vet elaborated on his thought process, “I felt that I was wrongfully arrested,” Randolph said. “Things that was put out there wasn’t true. But I don’t want to be a distraction to my team, my organization, so I’m just going to move forward and play basketball.”
For the Sacramento Kings, this has to be music to their ears as their new addition looks focused on letting bygones be bygones and preparing for his 16th NBA season. Along with fellow recent signee George Hill, Randolph is expected to provide some veteran leadership on an otherwise youthful Kings roster.
Randolph averaged 14.1 points while grabbing 8.2 rebounds a game in 73 appearances for the Memphis Grizzlies last season.
