Dudes, you do realize that a Randle with a consistent jumper and a right hand is a HoF, when combined with his already superior motor, tenacity, physicality and man defense? I dare you to name one player that would have all of that, averaging 20/10/5 and isn’t going into HoF? That is too much to ask. Also, we may just get it too... I’d like to find out.
How about just picturing him improving every year for next 3-4 heading into the start of his Prime. Some of that IS going to be more consistent jumpers.
A 23 year old athletic beast improving and adding a jumpshot? Not possible. Even though Draymond couldn't shoot until he was 24.
Good point. If this guy was on another team coming into free agency and we got one of PG or LBJ only you know he would have to be on the Lakers radar as a 2nd big name to sign from the few additional big names left. And he's already on the team. Someone has to play f****** center and give us points, passing and rebounds. Zu ....doubt he's going to be quick enough. T. Bryant how many years until he can impact a game like Jules when he's on. Didn't they say he leads the whole league in points per touches?
I absolutely love how a team which has been one of the worst in the league for the latest 5 seasons isn't even interested in keeping a player of his level . How delusional
1) No he's a center ... I'm not sure why you think he couldn't play 32 minutes at this position 2) We have no shot at Lebron
He isn't going to improve , he has a bad behaviour, poor work ethic and is a bad influence for a young roster ... Kevin Ding aka Jeanie Buss little dog is writing this article as we speak
I mean... yes? One good game and one bad game don't undo each other. He played extremely well tonight against Clint Capela, but was bullied around by DeAndre Jordan? Consistency is part of the issues with Julius. But he played great tonight. His ability to grab the rebound and go is still among the most unique in the league.
He’s undersized at center, and in the playoffs against top talent with size at the position, he’ll get owned repeatedly, will foul out, and simply cannot match up at either end with true centers for 30 minutes a game. Think Brian Grant vs Shaq. He’s willing, but ultimately will be exposed because of size. We get away with it now during the season because the lack of quality big men and time to scheme between games. I just can’t ever see him as a full time 5.
When did his first start get to be determined to be a bad game? Because of DJ's size that's now a bad game? DJ 31 minutes 12pts 16rb 1 TO 2blks. Randle 28 minutes 18pts 7rb 1 TO 1blk. Then ride Zubac like no other to step his game up by next year to be able to play at least decently against fellow 7 footers because neither LBJ nor PG is going to guard DJ or any of the true big men either IF they both were to come. Or it has to be Boogie .... one of the mythical 2 "star" FAs.
He's our best option at center ... owned by who exactly ? 1) Green , small ball C 2) Capela , same 3) Pau meh , LMA , I could agree but he's mostly taking Js 4) Towns , ok tough matchup but taller and slower guys wouldn't guard him better 5) Adams , physical and good C , tough to deal with on the boards 6) Jokic , no, would get exposed on D , not a volume scorer 7) Nurkic , would get exposed on D 8) Cousins , I agree . Overall Cousins , DJ and Embiid are the main worst matchups for Julius . In today's NBA , your center has to be able to switch on perimeter players and Julius has done an outstanding job in this department .
Yeah, this season? Sure, experiment w/him. And we haven't see him with Ball yet, which I think could provide way more opportunities in transition for Julius.
I'd still love to see him get minutes at 4 alongside Zo. Those two have started to develop some nice chemistry. Their pick and roll game is the best on the Lakers. Bottom line is Randle has been underutilized this entire season. There's no way to really debate that. Only a few here were and after last night's 29, 15 and 6 in just over 30 minutes I think that argument is pretty moot. It is still strange to come here though and hear people coming down on Julius and picking apart his game. As I've said before, he's our most versatile and to me, most valuable defender. He's the only big who can switch on anyone and hold his own. There are very few bigs in the entire league who can do that, most notably Draymond Green, and Randle is doing a very good Green impression in that regard. We haven't even begun to see what this kid can do, IMO. I don't want him moved for nothing. I'd like to hold onto him until the summer. If we strike out in FA or only get one guy he could be a great value signing considering what he does for the team. He has developed into a true small ball 5 and he was already a very good rebound and push PF ala Odom. He's got a great deal of talent. His flaws are shrinking and his strengths have grown over this year. He does finish more with his right. No he still doesn't shoot that well, but he's gotten better. His defense has become INVALUABLE to this team. And that was the thing most were harping on in year's past, that he would never become a consistent and good defender.
For s**** and giggles how about comparing Ben at 23 and how his better (by how much?) defense stacks up overall vs Randall's with Randle destroying him with the offensive side of their games. Just a random thought but we saw how valuable Ben became and they are virtually the same height and weight. Knowing in advance how great Wallace became I'm taking Randle. Randle may be that kind of nasty tough. He gets in big guys' grills and he's always got free swinging elbows and arms. But if Randle's offense continues to improve where it needs he's going to be an offensive beast and two way player in the league. Like D. Green. Closet thing already in the league to him and 4 years younger. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wallabe01.html Draymond https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/greendr01.html
The stats don't really tell the story though do they? Jordan bullied Randle with his size and athleticism and Julius contributed to that horrific start from the starters in that game. Julius tried to bully him back, but he wasn't as successful. Meanwhile against a similar player in Capela, Julius had his way on the floor. The point isn't to disparage Julius, but if he can be successful like that against Capela, he should be able to find similar success against Jordan. It's all about consistency and that's been a problem with Julius since we've drafted him. I'm a Julius fan, but we can still be honest in our critiques, right? I am definitely disappointed in Zubac's progression both from his side and from the team side. Bogut is still really useful in games like that against someone like Jordan, but Julius showed me last night that he can be fairly successful even against bigger, more athletic Centers in stretches. Boogie would be an absolutely perfect fit talent-wise, but as always it's unclear if he could keep his head on straight.
