It might be a semantic argument, but I'm not sure about star either. I see a rich man's Kenneth Faried which is a really good player and can be a starting 4 on a championship team. But there are only really 4-5 superstars in the league at any given time, and a star to me is somewhat transcendent as well. LBJ, Steph, Leonard, Durant, Russell... not sure anyone else makes the superstar list for me. CP3, Davis, Harden (obviously a few others) are stars. Not sure Randle has the potential to have that level of impact. He can be the 3rd best player on a title team like an Odom or someone of that level. A star to me is someone who can lead a team to the playoffs as the unquestioned leader. A superstar is a generational talent.
His character as a young kid is always what impressed me the most; I remember listening to Mitch doing an interview on Time Warner, and he said something along the lines of 'Julius is a very mature kid. Everytime he's headed out of town or doing something, he'll ask me for permission'. He was even calling him Mr. Kupchack. This was Julius' first year in the NBA. He hasn't been 'seen' hanging around with Nick. He's kept low, worked hard, and had a focus and determination to get better. His focus is on the game of basketball, and he wants to be great. He's a winner.
Definitely a semantic argument. It's all subjective to the way you define the word! I see star potential in Randle. In the month of March he's putting up 12.9 pts, 10.7 rebs, and 2.1 assists. Did you know there's only 2 players in the NBA putting up a double-double while averaging more than 2 assists per game? DeMarcus Cousins and Pau Gasol. In the NBA there's only 4 other players who are averaging 10/10/1.7 like Julius is: Anthony Davis, Pau Gasol, DeMarcus Cousins, and Karl Anthony Towns. Of those five Julius plays the least amount of minutes at 28.1 (the rest play over 30). To be fair he shoots the worst, takes the fewest shots, averages the least amount of points, and the least amount of blocks. He's also probably the shortest on the list by at least 3 inches. Also of those five, only he and Pau Gasol have a positive assist to turnover ratio.
Why couldn't Metta really get him better? Like others are saying .... doesn't seem like any or much improvement over the season. And Clarkson too with Metta and Kobe both to show him tricks of the trade. That's baffling because they had a whole year to learn from them almost and play against them (sometimes) in and outside of practice. Both have quickness and strength and stamina and seemingly work ethic. Maybe defense isn't as fun?
I've de-lurked. Never bothered to make the transition and register after the catastrophrak that was "The Great Implosion of ClubLakers". Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So, we've got Ice. This is Fire. We need Earth and Wind, and we'll be off like the Avatar. P.S. I am not positive I am doing this right. All of these are from my kid's sentences...
Rockstar numbers. Yeah, superstar, star, excellent player whatever you want to say, it is a semantic argument and a good problem to have! My take is he's not quite superstar level but he's going to be one heck of a player. I love this kid. He looks better to my eyes than an Odom or a Z-Bo. Don't kill me folks, but the guy he reminds me most of is a like a mini-Shaq. The spin move, the physical strength, quick step and agility for his size. The problem is he doesn't have the imposing height/size over the opposition to be as dominant. Like Shaq unfortunately, he also has a not very pretty shot. Luckily he's strong and can get his own boards. For a while there his three point shot looked better than his Clank-Fu mid-range. If he can get that going he is going to be very difficult to defend. The boards are my favorite though. Having a guy who can give you a double double just about every game without taking a ton of shots is a sweet luxury. He can really dish the ball well, too. We desperately need a coach who can truly utilize our young guns' strengths and bring out their best. Scott has been atrocious and I feel like he hasn't developed Randle at all. It's mostly raw natural ability on display out there.
I hear you. I made that comparison a looong time ago. I'm not saying he IS Shaq and that he will be that great or effective. I'm saying he provides a unique physical profile that you just don't see anywhere else and if his head is on straight, he's going to be nearly impossible to guard. He's got a ways to go for that still, but you can see it most nights. He's just too big and strong for guys his size and too quick for guys bigger than him. I think he's always going to struggle finishing against length, but if he can hit that little jumper he'll be alright. I think he can be at least as good as Laker Lamar if we get a good coach. Lamar with us was a 14/9/4 guy with maybe a block and a steal. I think Julius has that in him. I think Julius is also more of an alpha than Lamar too so he'll be more assertive. I don't know that Lamar ever was excited to take a last second shot in the NBA. Either way, he's the kid I like the most. I'm not saying he's the most talented but he's the one I like the most.
DUDE!! That is awesome! The way you're able to just create these so quickly with current events at this kind of quality level and design esthetics is amazing. You've got serious talent.
LOL. Just dawned on the league there can be no big balls demonstrations? Kobe's getting out just in time. The clenched teeth next .... they'll call it baiting the opponent and unsportsmanlike.
