Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph has been recognized for his community-building charitable efforts in the 2014-15 season by the Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA), resulting in a Top-5 Finalist designation from a field of 28 candidates for the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.
The J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award is presented annually by the PBWA to the player, coach or athletic trainer who shows outstanding service and dedication to the community and is named after the second commissioner of the NBA. All 30 NBA teams had the opportunity to nominate one player, coach or trainer to this year’s ballot, with Randolph being Memphis’ candidate for his many charitable actions and presence in the Memphis community.
“It’s a blessing to be recognized from a field of quality guys in the league, on and off the court. I do what I do because I remember when times were tough growing up, so I want to help families that experience those hardships. To win the award would be an honor for my family, my team and for Memphis, and serve as a reminder that I can always do more,” said Randolph.
All nominations went to a committee of 14 PBWA members for review. Each person on that committee named the five nominees who, in their opinion, are most deserving of the award. Randolph was one of the five players who received the most votes. He joins Tobias Harris (Orlando), Greg Monroe (Detroit), Joakim Noah (Chicago) and Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers) on this year’s final ballot.
The award will be voted on by the full PBWA membership and announced at a later date.
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