Julius Randle

i totally agree.  everyone jumped on the embiid trane and left the station.  the one thing everyone always says translates in the nba is rebounding.  dude has been a beast on the boards.  unfortunately, the harrison twins don’t know how to pass to the post and james young is the nick young of college basketball or his scoring numbers would be way up.  after watching how bad center projects have failed; wiggins, parker, randle are still my top 3.  

i totally agree.  everyone jumped on the embiid trane and left the station.  the one thing everyone always says translates in the nba is rebounding.  dude has been a beast on the boards.  unfortunately, the harrison twins don’t know how to pass to the post and james young is the nick young of college basketball or his scoring numbers would be way up.  after watching how bad center projects have failed; wiggins, parker, randle are still my top 3.  

 Michael Beasley with power. Damn, he is going to be an All Star then unlike B-Easy.

 Michael Beasley with power. Damn, he is going to be an All Star then unlike B-Easy.

To be honest I believe I’m the very first so called hater of Randle. On Kentucky very first game on the forum I was critersizing his size and skills during the game on the forum. I got negged like crazy because he got good numbers, but then a couple or a few games later I noticed a lot of people started to think the same too.

To be honest I believe I’m the very first so called hater of Randle. On Kentucky very first game on the forum I was critersizing his size and skills during the game on the forum. I got negged like crazy because he got good numbers, but then a couple or a few games later I noticed a lot of people started to think the same too.

I’m with you.. being ranked 7th looks unfair imo..

like you said he has not only 20/10 potential, it can be his annual numbers, he is in that strong rebounders with some skills category where Randolph, Lee, Boozer, Brand are/were. 

I’m with you.. being ranked 7th looks unfair imo..

like you said he has not only 20/10 potential, it can be his annual numbers, he is in that strong rebounders with some skills category where Randolph, Lee, Boozer, Brand are/were. 

 I agree with you that Randle has the potential to be one of the best of this class. He is a monster, and I think alot of his haters are going to be hitting themselves on the head when Randle starts dominating in the NBA. 

 I agree with you that Randle has the potential to be one of the best of this class. He is a monster, and I think alot of his haters are going to be hitting themselves on the head when Randle starts dominating in the NBA. 

Julius Randle definitely could be a 20/10 player, maybe with a few assists and good shooting percentages. I don’t remember anybody trashing Anthony Davis or saying he wouldn’t be a success in the NBA, but I do agree that Randle’s ability will transfer to the NBA level.

His weaknesses aren’t really meant to knock him as a player though, because I think most of us believe he’ll put up good stats. The question teams need to ask themselves is: how can he be utilized in a championship role? He scores predominantly in the post, which if nothing else, is simply not in-vogue in the NBA today. At the power forward position, teams want players that defend; operate in the mid-long range; pass; and finish at the rim. Those attributes take priority over post scoring because post scoring slows the game down, gives the defense time to collect itself, and when used as a player’s first scoring option, leads to lower team efficiency overall. I think most teams would opt for a more fluid (in terms of overall skillset, not necessarily athleticism) power forward like Pau Gasol, Chris Bosh, Serge Ibaka, LaMarcus Aldridge, Dirk Nowitzki, Anthony Davis, Kevin Garnett, and Rasheed Wallace; over the higher-usage post scorers like Zach Randolph, Al Jefferson, Brook Lopez, Al Horford, Enes Kanter, or DeMarcus Cousins.

Combined with suspect defense, I would be uncomfortable starting Randle in a lineup that I would expect to compete for a championship one day. In this draft, there are at least a handful of players that project to fit that bill. That’s why I don’t take Randle in the top-5.

Of course, looking at league trends is far from definitive. Just because there seems to be a formula for building a team that can contend, doesn’t mean there aren’t others.

tl;dr – Championship-contending starting lineups need at least one player that can operate in the post, but no starting lineup needs a player that needs the post to operate.

Julius Randle definitely could be a 20/10 player, maybe with a few assists and good shooting percentages. I don’t remember anybody trashing Anthony Davis or saying he wouldn’t be a success in the NBA, but I do agree that Randle’s ability will transfer to the NBA level.

His weaknesses aren’t really meant to knock him as a player though, because I think most of us believe he’ll put up good stats. The question teams need to ask themselves is: how can he be utilized in a championship role? He scores predominantly in the post, which if nothing else, is simply not in-vogue in the NBA today. At the power forward position, teams want players that defend; operate in the mid-long range; pass; and finish at the rim. Those attributes take priority over post scoring because post scoring slows the game down, gives the defense time to collect itself, and when used as a player’s first scoring option, leads to lower team efficiency overall. I think most teams would opt for a more fluid (in terms of overall skillset, not necessarily athleticism) power forward like Pau Gasol, Chris Bosh, Serge Ibaka, LaMarcus Aldridge, Dirk Nowitzki, Anthony Davis, Kevin Garnett, and Rasheed Wallace; over the higher-usage post scorers like Zach Randolph, Al Jefferson, Brook Lopez, Al Horford, Enes Kanter, or DeMarcus Cousins.

Combined with suspect defense, I would be uncomfortable starting Randle in a lineup that I would expect to compete for a championship one day. In this draft, there are at least a handful of players that project to fit that bill. That’s why I don’t take Randle in the top-5.

Of course, looking at league trends is far from definitive. Just because there seems to be a formula for building a team that can contend, doesn’t mean there aren’t others.

tl;dr – Championship-contending starting lineups need at least one player that can operate in the post, but no starting lineup needs a player that needs the post to operate.

 I’ve said before that I think Randle has a chance to be the best from his class.  It’s pretty funny how people keep saying that he’s undersized and won’t be able to score so easily on the big men on the NBA.  Have you guys seen any NBA games lately?  The current big men are not exactly intimidating, especially at the power forward position.  Let’s look at the top power forwards in today’s game.  Kevin Love is 6’9 (the same as Randle), and is a below average defender.  Aldridge is a great offensive player as well but is not a dominating defensive precense.  Zach Randolph is aging yet effective, although Randle is far superior athletically.  Blake Griffin is an average defender despite his athletic gifts.  I do not want to list every above average foward because it would become redundant, but my point is that the Randle doubters are not looking closely enough about what his competition truly will look like when he gets to the next level.  He will not be overmatched on a nightly basis in terms of athleticism and/or size.  If size still concerns you, then it is worth mentioning that one of the greatest power forwards of all time, Karl Malone, was 6’9, and he played in a time when big men were a much more important aspect of the league.

 I’ve said before that I think Randle has a chance to be the best from his class.  It’s pretty funny how people keep saying that he’s undersized and won’t be able to score so easily on the big men on the NBA.  Have you guys seen any NBA games lately?  The current big men are not exactly intimidating, especially at the power forward position.  Let’s look at the top power forwards in today’s game.  Kevin Love is 6’9 (the same as Randle), and is a below average defender.  Aldridge is a great offensive player as well but is not a dominating defensive precense.  Zach Randolph is aging yet effective, although Randle is far superior athletically.  Blake Griffin is an average defender despite his athletic gifts.  I do not want to list every above average foward because it would become redundant, but my point is that the Randle doubters are not looking closely enough about what his competition truly will look like when he gets to the next level.  He will not be overmatched on a nightly basis in terms of athleticism and/or size.  If size still concerns you, then it is worth mentioning that one of the greatest power forwards of all time, Karl Malone, was 6’9, and he played in a time when big men were a much more important aspect of the league.

 Maybe they both went to the same college, but they couldn’t be more different than players.  I doubt their detractors are the same people.  Maybe I’m wrong, but that doesn’t make sense.

I like Randle, but I don’t think he is a top-3 prospect in this year’s draft and probably isn’t as good as some of the early hype.  Predicting 25-10 is insane, regardless of how good a prospect is.  

I think the Z-Bo comparison is both a good one and a flattering one.  He isn’t nearly as big as Z-Bo (Maybe you dont call 6’9" with a 6’11" wingspan undersized, but pretty much every PF in the NBA is longer than that.  He will have a reach disadvantage night in and night out), but he is probably a little better as an athlete.  His ball handling and ability to finish through contact should allow him to score big at PF. 

The question with Randle is not whether will put up stats; it is whether he will be efficient on offense and be a good defender.  His efficiency in college is very impressive and it definitely could carry over to the NBA, with its better spacing, but it is not guraranteed in the more athletic NBA.  In almost every other recent draft, Randle would be a top-2 pick, but in this draft, his questions will prevent that.  

I don’t think the hate for Randle is really based that much on his school.  While I think some recent UK prospects were overrated, I actually thought Anthony Davis was underrated as a prospect.  

 Maybe they both went to the same college, but they couldn’t be more different than players.  I doubt their detractors are the same people.  Maybe I’m wrong, but that doesn’t make sense.

I like Randle, but I don’t think he is a top-3 prospect in this year’s draft and probably isn’t as good as some of the early hype.  Predicting 25-10 is insane, regardless of how good a prospect is.  

I think the Z-Bo comparison is both a good one and a flattering one.  He isn’t nearly as big as Z-Bo (Maybe you dont call 6’9" with a 6’11" wingspan undersized, but pretty much every PF in the NBA is longer than that.  He will have a reach disadvantage night in and night out), but he is probably a little better as an athlete.  His ball handling and ability to finish through contact should allow him to score big at PF. 

The question with Randle is not whether will put up stats; it is whether he will be efficient on offense and be a good defender.  His efficiency in college is very impressive and it definitely could carry over to the NBA, with its better spacing, but it is not guraranteed in the more athletic NBA.  In almost every other recent draft, Randle would be a top-2 pick, but in this draft, his questions will prevent that.  

I don’t think the hate for Randle is really based that much on his school.  While I think some recent UK prospects were overrated, I actually thought Anthony Davis was underrated as a prospect.  

I don’t really value undersized, short-armed PF who don’t play great defense and have questions about their consistent effort. Nothing against UK here (and everyone on this site, and the entire planet, were high on Anthony Davis- the KG/Duncan comps were everywhere) but perhaps I am a bit biased to the type of player I described, but only because I am a Bulls fan and have been forced to watch this for the past sevearl years. #AmnestyBoozer 

Yes he has the ability to throw down some monster dunks but I think he will struggle to finish against taller competition in the league. He has already shown the propensity to do poorly against bigger players with length. He also will be unable to bully his way around at the next level. I don’t like a lot of other things about his game either. This has nothing to do with his character, but I would describe his floor game as selfish, similar to Boozer. Hard worker, probably a nice enough dude, but a selfish player. He very well could be good enough to put up decent numbers and gain a huge contract, but I still wouldn’t want to pay a player like that (Al Jefferson, Boozer). 

My big men have to play D and put out maximum effort on that side of the ball to show, rotate, move your feet, and protect the rim. Randle has not shown me much of any of those things. Add the selfishness on the offensive side….. No thanks. Give me Taj Gibson any day. Oh, and give me LA over Kevin Love because of the same reason. 

I don’t really value undersized, short-armed PF who don’t play great defense and have questions about their consistent effort. Nothing against UK here (and everyone on this site, and the entire planet, were high on Anthony Davis- the KG/Duncan comps were everywhere) but perhaps I am a bit biased to the type of player I described, but only because I am a Bulls fan and have been forced to watch this for the past sevearl years. #AmnestyBoozer 

Yes he has the ability to throw down some monster dunks but I think he will struggle to finish against taller competition in the league. He has already shown the propensity to do poorly against bigger players with length. He also will be unable to bully his way around at the next level. I don’t like a lot of other things about his game either. This has nothing to do with his character, but I would describe his floor game as selfish, similar to Boozer. Hard worker, probably a nice enough dude, but a selfish player. He very well could be good enough to put up decent numbers and gain a huge contract, but I still wouldn’t want to pay a player like that (Al Jefferson, Boozer). 

My big men have to play D and put out maximum effort on that side of the ball to show, rotate, move your feet, and protect the rim. Randle has not shown me much of any of those things. Add the selfishness on the offensive side….. No thanks. Give me Taj Gibson any day. Oh, and give me LA over Kevin Love because of the same reason. 

 Randle is more mature than Beasley was, but Beasley was the better prospect skill-wise and it isn’t really close.

 Randle is more mature than Beasley was, but Beasley was the better prospect skill-wise and it isn’t really close.

 I really think his comparison is David Lee with a bit more strength. That’s what he can be like. Now David Lee put in a lot of work to be David Lee. He’s still a question defensively but is now in a much better role with bogut. I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts up 22 & 12 a few seasons in and continues to do it but depending on where he ends up, will they win games? Think Lee is a great second option behind curry and with Bogut there. Think Randle is in the same boat. I am comfortable taking Randle at 3 if Wiggins and Parker are gone. Think Randle’s floor is higher than Embiid but Embiid has a higher ceiling so that is a preference thing. Say Philly picks 3rd and Wiggins and Parker are gone. I would have no problem pairing Randle up with Noel and seeing how that works 

 I really think his comparison is David Lee with a bit more strength. That’s what he can be like. Now David Lee put in a lot of work to be David Lee. He’s still a question defensively but is now in a much better role with bogut. I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts up 22 & 12 a few seasons in and continues to do it but depending on where he ends up, will they win games? Think Lee is a great second option behind curry and with Bogut there. Think Randle is in the same boat. I am comfortable taking Randle at 3 if Wiggins and Parker are gone. Think Randle’s floor is higher than Embiid but Embiid has a higher ceiling so that is a preference thing. Say Philly picks 3rd and Wiggins and Parker are gone. I would have no problem pairing Randle up with Noel and seeing how that works 

 short arms and doesnt have much hops under the rim. against defenders with good length,he struggles. it was on full display against LSU.its been like that for most of conference play. he’s not a good passer. he forces shots up to much when hes getting doubled down low. he has a score first mindset,which causes him to hold the ball too long hoping to get a shot off. thats why his turnovers are high. He also plays NO defense, at all. 

he relies only bullying you. he doesnt have any post up moves. he showed flashes of a jumper but doesnt take much.he’s really predictable down low. 

theres questions on how he’ll fair against bigs similar in build with good length. 

 short arms and doesnt have much hops under the rim. against defenders with good length,he struggles. it was on full display against LSU.its been like that for most of conference play. he’s not a good passer. he forces shots up to much when hes getting doubled down low. he has a score first mindset,which causes him to hold the ball too long hoping to get a shot off. thats why his turnovers are high. He also plays NO defense, at all. 

he relies only bullying you. he doesnt have any post up moves. he showed flashes of a jumper but doesnt take much.he’s really predictable down low. 

theres questions on how he’ll fair against bigs similar in build with good length. 

I haven’t seen enough of him play yet to make a decision on Randle yet.

I think some ppl might be put off by his lack of size/length/athleticism and also with the recent crop of past lottery picks who have played PF in college who have not played up to expectations. NBA PF and Centres are bigger than in the college game, you can’t bully them around like you can on the college level.

List of lotto picks that played PF in college

2011 – Derrick Williams, Tristian Thompson, Jan Veseley, Morris twins (Marcus prob should not be included as he is an undersized T-Rex so no one really thought he would be able to play PF in the NBA)

2012 – Davis, t-rob, Henson

2013 – Bennett, Zeller

Davis and Henson have done the best (both have good size, length, athletic, defence)

Tristian Thompson has done ok (with good size and length, athletic) Same could be said about Markieff Morris.

Derrick Williams and Marcus Morris are both undersized PF and play SF in the NBA. (remember Williams was a beast in college and sat at no1 in the mock drafts for a large chunk of that season)

T-Rob and Veseley have not lived up to draft day expectations.

Bennett has not got great size nor athleticism. Zeller isn’t really super athletic and not a great defender.

So you could say ppl might be weary about hyping up Randle at PF. You could also argue that we are probably due to see some good PF’s enter the league so you could argue that the other way with Randle being good. You could also say the same about Joel Embiid. The last dominant big man was Dwight which was about 10 years ago, it may just be about time we saw some prospects that actually live up to the hype created on this forum. (who remembers all the Perry Jones, Bazz, McAdoo, Rivers hype)

I haven’t seen enough of him play yet to make a decision on Randle yet.

I think some ppl might be put off by his lack of size/length/athleticism and also with the recent crop of past lottery picks who have played PF in college who have not played up to expectations. NBA PF and Centres are bigger than in the college game, you can’t bully them around like you can on the college level.

List of lotto picks that played PF in college

2011 – Derrick Williams, Tristian Thompson, Jan Veseley, Morris twins (Marcus prob should not be included as he is an undersized T-Rex so no one really thought he would be able to play PF in the NBA)

2012 – Davis, t-rob, Henson

2013 – Bennett, Zeller

Davis and Henson have done the best (both have good size, length, athletic, defence)

Tristian Thompson has done ok (with good size and length, athletic) Same could be said about Markieff Morris.

Derrick Williams and Marcus Morris are both undersized PF and play SF in the NBA. (remember Williams was a beast in college and sat at no1 in the mock drafts for a large chunk of that season)

T-Rob and Veseley have not lived up to draft day expectations.

Bennett has not got great size nor athleticism. Zeller isn’t really super athletic and not a great defender.

So you could say ppl might be weary about hyping up Randle at PF. You could also argue that we are probably due to see some good PF’s enter the league so you could argue that the other way with Randle being good. You could also say the same about Joel Embiid. The last dominant big man was Dwight which was about 10 years ago, it may just be about time we saw some prospects that actually live up to the hype created on this forum. (who remembers all the Perry Jones, Bazz, McAdoo, Rivers hype)

just had an Anthony Davis Embiid thread out of pure coincidence. But to answer OP, I’ve never been a huge fan but I wouldn’t slip him to 7th spot

just had an Anthony Davis Embiid thread out of pure coincidence. But to answer OP, I’ve never been a huge fan but I wouldn’t slip him to 7th spot

"This guy is gonna be way better in the pros than he is in college and I can’t wait til all the biased haters eat their words, similar to when Davis came out and everybody on here said he’ll suck."

Not sure what "biased haters" in this situation you’re talking about.  Nobody is biased against Randle, unless maybe some hateful Louisville fans.  Other than that, I have no idea what you mean speaking about biased haters with Randle.  I’m pretty sure almost everyone here hopes he succeeds, but there are a lot of people who think he won’t.  So what?  People are entitled to their own opinions.  And it’s kinda funny coming from you talking biases.  You’re a Kentucky fan.

"He is Michael Beasley with will power, intelligence, and work ethic. He’s gonna be a stud and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he ends up the best player in this class. He doesnt just have 20 and 10 potential, he has 25 and 10 potential."

Just for stats sake, Beasley averaged 26 and 12 in college, Randle is 16 and 10.

"The criticism surrounding him is so similar to Davis its funny. Everyone hated him cause he wore a UK jersey and ignored the fact his game was more suited for the pros."

WHAT?  What the hell are you talking about right here?  Davis was amazing in college, and hardly anyone criticized him.  Everyone thought he was going to be a stud in the NBA.  So this statement is completely false and non-sensical.  And nobody gave a sh*t that he wore a Kentucky jersey, trust me.

"This guy is gonna be way better in the pros than he is in college and I can’t wait til all the biased haters eat their words, similar to when Davis came out and everybody on here said he’ll suck."

Not sure what "biased haters" in this situation you’re talking about.  Nobody is biased against Randle, unless maybe some hateful Louisville fans.  Other than that, I have no idea what you mean speaking about biased haters with Randle.  I’m pretty sure almost everyone here hopes he succeeds, but there are a lot of people who think he won’t.  So what?  People are entitled to their own opinions.  And it’s kinda funny coming from you talking biases.  You’re a Kentucky fan.

"He is Michael Beasley with will power, intelligence, and work ethic. He’s gonna be a stud and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he ends up the best player in this class. He doesnt just have 20 and 10 potential, he has 25 and 10 potential."

Just for stats sake, Beasley averaged 26 and 12 in college, Randle is 16 and 10.

"The criticism surrounding him is so similar to Davis its funny. Everyone hated him cause he wore a UK jersey and ignored the fact his game was more suited for the pros."

WHAT?  What the hell are you talking about right here?  Davis was amazing in college, and hardly anyone criticized him.  Everyone thought he was going to be a stud in the NBA.  So this statement is completely false and non-sensical.  And nobody gave a sh*t that he wore a Kentucky jersey, trust me.

 Well, Michael Beasley was and is an above average 3 point shooter, and a skilled perimeter player. Randle just isn’t that guy.

That aside, Randle is a good prospect. I love his energy and tenacity on the glass. I love that he knows his style leads to a lot of trips to the line, and he’s a good FT shooting big man at a young age. His moves down low ( make me less concerned about non-elite length on OFFENSE ), but I’m not thrilled about his defensive ability or desire to play D at the next level. I think he could probably be a 15 ppg 7 rpg player as a rookie IF he goes to a team that can give him 30 minutes per night. I wouldn’t be shocked if he hit 18/10 or 20/10 at some point ( I doubt 25/10), but he’s not going to be a great defender, I hope he can develop into an average one.

I do look at conference play when looking at prospects though, and Randle has been okay…I think playing 2 games a week, who know you well, and without a break to play a cupcake from the Colonial Conference or a WCC bottom dweller, is clear up in competition.

Kentucky has other pro prospects on their team, but Randle’s production and efficiency has dipped. Through 7 conference games he’s putting up

12.3 ppg 9.4 rpg and his shooting percentage has plummeted to .375%

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not writing Randle off, and this may be an adjustment period and he’ll rattle off 20/10 for the next 7 games, but it’s something I look at with ALL prospects ( especially freshmen ) because it’s a lot different, harder, and mimics NBA play a lot more than playing a top 25 team on Saturday…getting a week off and playing Delaware the next Saturday. 

Randle does a lot of things well, and could help himself out a lot with a strong finish to the year, but if his stock is down…there is a reason…these mocks are fluid…and if a guy like Noah Vonleh is nipping at his heels, it’s with good reason. He’s bigger, longer, and has adjusted faster and is putting up 12 ppg on only 7 shots per game… 9.7 rpg on 49% shooting all while projecting as a rim protector at the next level. He’s outplaying Randle right now…and projects as a higher ceiling and a two way player…plain and simple.

 Well, Michael Beasley was and is an above average 3 point shooter, and a skilled perimeter player. Randle just isn’t that guy.

That aside, Randle is a good prospect. I love his energy and tenacity on the glass. I love that he knows his style leads to a lot of trips to the line, and he’s a good FT shooting big man at a young age. His moves down low ( make me less concerned about non-elite length on OFFENSE ), but I’m not thrilled about his defensive ability or desire to play D at the next level. I think he could probably be a 15 ppg 7 rpg player as a rookie IF he goes to a team that can give him 30 minutes per night. I wouldn’t be shocked if he hit 18/10 or 20/10 at some point ( I doubt 25/10), but he’s not going to be a great defender, I hope he can develop into an average one.

I do look at conference play when looking at prospects though, and Randle has been okay…I think playing 2 games a week, who know you well, and without a break to play a cupcake from the Colonial Conference or a WCC bottom dweller, is clear up in competition.

Kentucky has other pro prospects on their team, but Randle’s production and efficiency has dipped. Through 7 conference games he’s putting up

12.3 ppg 9.4 rpg and his shooting percentage has plummeted to .375%

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not writing Randle off, and this may be an adjustment period and he’ll rattle off 20/10 for the next 7 games, but it’s something I look at with ALL prospects ( especially freshmen ) because it’s a lot different, harder, and mimics NBA play a lot more than playing a top 25 team on Saturday…getting a week off and playing Delaware the next Saturday. 

Randle does a lot of things well, and could help himself out a lot with a strong finish to the year, but if his stock is down…there is a reason…these mocks are fluid…and if a guy like Noah Vonleh is nipping at his heels, it’s with good reason. He’s bigger, longer, and has adjusted faster and is putting up 12 ppg on only 7 shots per game… 9.7 rpg on 49% shooting all while projecting as a rim protector at the next level. He’s outplaying Randle right now…and projects as a higher ceiling and a two way player…plain and simple.

 The thing that makes Randle look like he’s not as good as he really is too some is the fact that he never gets a one on one match up.  He is ALWAYS double or triple teamed.  Another site who’s name will remain nameless did a little research and saw that Randle is the first big to be doubled and tripled over 95% of the time in decades other than Durant or Beasley but those two could step out and knock down the jumper 

 The thing that makes Randle look like he’s not as good as he really is too some is the fact that he never gets a one on one match up.  He is ALWAYS double or triple teamed.  Another site who’s name will remain nameless did a little research and saw that Randle is the first big to be doubled and tripled over 95% of the time in decades other than Durant or Beasley but those two could step out and knock down the jumper 

When Randle has a one on one match up (which is rare) he either scores or gets fouled

When Randle has a one on one match up (which is rare) he either scores or gets fouled