The Grizzlies are counting on forward Zach Randolph to lead the young team with Allen Iverson out.

Iverson is doubtful for the season opener against the Pistons because of a hamstring injury.

"And as long as A.I. is injured, Zach is the leader of this team," assistant coach Damon Stoudamire told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "He's going to have to teach these guys the things that we taught him when we went to the playoffs in Portland. A lot of the things Zach gets a bad rap for haven't been basketball related.

"In terms of wanting to win, wanting to be successful and wanting to be a good teammate, Zach's always displayed that. Regardless of what people will say, it's hard to get 20 (points) and 10 (rebounds) in this league. The numbers are there. Now we have to get him to do the other things. He might have to dive on the floor. He might have to stop his guy. Those are areas where he's got to make the sacrifice."