Julius Randle Discussion: Beast, Ox, Monster, Lotus Flower

It's obvious JR loves to push it up court. Anytime he grabs a defensive board, you can just tell he's dying to take it up court but realizes a split second later that this is the pros and he has to defer to the pg. But this will be a huge part of his game, like it was for Barkley and it is for Griffin.

His strength is also unreal. He's already pushing grown men around. And he'll be stronger once his body starts filling in.

His shot goes in sometimes but it looks pretty awful to the eye. He's not really shooting it but sort of throwing it at the rim. I don't know if he will or can change his technique to make it look more like a conventional shot but it's something to look out for. But there have been plenty of guys with unconventional looking shots who had success.

But the guy has already been dominant in stretches in the last 2 games. I can't wait to watch this guy get better as the season goes on. In Randle we trust.

 

What I'm noticing most about Randle is his physical play. Last night Cousins and Evans had their hands full with him, got frustrated with his rough play, and had a hard time keeping up with his quickness. These are two of the most physical players in the NBA and this 19 yr old kid dished out a beating to them.....and Rudy Gay will remember his elbow for a while.

 

Yup. That's what stood out most for me. Some questioned whether he would be able to push guys around at the highest level like he did in college and it's obvious the guy is as strong as a bull. He's pushing grown men around already and he's not even 20!

 

In the summer league, they mentioned on twitter that some scouts watching then thought that Randle looks like he can hurt someone because of just how he is built physically... I guess Rudy learned that the most among the Kings and probably Evans with all the banging.

 

He's definitely impressive out there, especially at 19 years old. He might actually contribute significantly this year, and be a bright spot in the front court.

 

I missed the elbow that caught I guess Rudy Gay from what you said. Was Julius recklessly swinging them around or was it totally just bad luck for Rudy, like.... say Julius went high with his arms to try and grab at the ball, or shoot the ball....and when he came down, Rudy happened to be in the wrong place with his face?

 

Last rookie I remember 'exploring' his gifts and excelling this quickly for lakers was james worthy. It's like watching a young lion slowly learn how to hunt and suddenly recognize that people are very afraid of his presence.

I think by mid season the team is going to be laughing about how they snuck up on people.

 

Randle looks like he'll be a force this year. This team might be better than I expected.

 

Yall think Randle coming off the bench and not "getting handed" a starting position is to motivate the ish out of him physically&most important mentally? Chance he actually gets starting nod at PF opening night?

Also, say if he doesnt start... Do they play him at F alongside Kelly or yall rather have Henry on the floor instead cause I believe Young is interchangeable at SG/SF but tell me if im wrong as well.

I just like being bigger &IMO think Young/Randle(Can PickNRoll,Drive,play inside)/Kelly(More than capable outside shooter,better than Henry?) is better than Henry/Young/Randle. I do suppose though that decision can be based on matchups. I just truly hope Scott plays 5 best players on the floor.

P.S-Didnt mention Clarkson because I hope he wins the backup PG minutes but if he doesnt i hope he gets those minutes instead of Henry.

 

the elbow is @ the 2:20 mark

 

Randle needs to start ... He's part of our future and this season (and the following ones) should be used to develop him as much as possible ... Bringing Boozer doesn't make any sense .

 

I've liked what I have seen from Randle thus far. My only complain is that he isn't much of a rim protector but everything else (especially his offense) has been fantastic. His jumper will come around with some work, and when it does he is going to be extremely difficult to stop. He seems to start games a little tense and then loosen up, especially in the second half. I don't know that he's ready to go against opposing starters just yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing him develop all season long and hopefully by next year he will be ready to step in as a starter.

 

The Lakers were not a lottery team when Kobe was a rook ... The 96-97 team had expectations and major talent , the current team has not

 

Really excited with what Randle brings to the table. Believe he is something we can build around for a long time.

 

Thanks Punk. In my opinion not cool at all and not a basketball move. Clearing space like a running back. I would think in a regulation game that gets him a flagrant. Especially if viewed in slow motion.