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Zach Randolph denies giving DeMarre Carroll $10K for sneakers: "That's a little too much cap in your rap"
Zach Randolph denies giving DeMarre Carroll $10K for sneakers: "That's a little too much cap in your rap" originally appeared on Basketball Network.
It's well-known that many NBA players lead lives of excess and luxury. With wealth flowing into their accounts at an astonishing pace, they often find themselves unsure of how to manage it all. Often, they spend it on luxurious houses, cars, and designer shoes.
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According to NBA veteran DeMarre Carroll, this was the case with his former teammate on the Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph. If Carroll, a 6'6" forward who played 11 seasons in the league, is to be believed, Z-Bo gave him a wad of money to purchase a pair of all-white Air Force 1s — a staple in a hooper's wardrobe.
Believing it was a test from the veteran who mentored him during his rookie season, DeMarre spent a significant amount on multiple pairs, estimating he had about $6,000 remaining. Later, he recounted how Z-Bo, impressed by his effort to fulfill the request, rewarded him with an additional $4,000, bringing his total to $10,000.
Zach took time on "The Big Podcast with Shaq" to refute DeMarre's story, saying he would not want to toss around large amounts of money like that.
A bad business move
When DeMarre joined the NBA as Memphis' 27th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Zach was already making a hefty salary of $16.5 million per year. While he was not frugal, he emphasized that his former rook's story was an exaggerated fabrication. He sent Carroll on plenty of errands and tasks, but he never once handed out $10,000.
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"Everybody asked me that, bro. Come on, man. What kind of business move is that?" Z-Bo said with a laugh. "DeMarre, please quit telling that lie. You my little bro. I love you, bro. But come on, man."
Nike Air Force 1s, especially the white-on-whites, are a staple in the NBA. They're comfortable, stylish, and versatile enough to match any outfit. However, Randolph found it ridiculous that anyone would believe he would hand out six grand to buy one pair.
"I'm going to give you $6,000 for some damn Air Force Ones? Come on, little bro. I want you to make your story sound good, but that's a little too much cap in your rap, man. God damn," Zach stated.
Related: "I can't think of a better person to do it" - Scottie Pippen on Michael Jordan presenting him at his Hall of Fame induction
Even Shaq was impressed when he heard the story
The podcast host Shaq has had his fair share of extravagant spending throughout his career. From customizing cars to generously buying whatever strangers desired, he has indulged in a wide range of costly ventures. However, even O'Neal couldn't believe someone would spend that much on one pair of shoes.
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"I heard that story, I was like, 'Damn, $10,000?' I only gave five. Only gave five!" Big Diesel chimed in.
Zach understood what DeMarre was trying to do, but believes he went overboard. While he appreciated the effort to make a good impression, Zach couldn't help but refute such an outrageous claim.
"Man had made a hell of a story up. I said, '$10,000?' I know he tried to make his big bro look good, but that's just a dummy move right there," Randolph stressed.
Many NBA players do stupid things with the money they make in the league. Z-Bo, though, was a lot more responsible with his.
Related: Marc Gasol names the post players who gave him hell as a rookie: "Z-Bo and Al were the two toughest guys I had to guard"
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
