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

I don't think it was posted yet but here's his highlights from yesterday:



He really showed his range of skill last night and gave us a glimpse of what type of player he can become if he fulfills his potential. Played well in the post, knocked down a couple of jumpers in a row, and showed us he can definitely take the ball coast to coast. As mentioned already, he definitely reminds me of Lamar in that regard, but his attitude is different. Lamar is one of my favorite Lakers but we all know he wasn't the hardest worker and never truly fulfilled his potential. With Julius, we know he has his head right and all I've been reading about him is how much work he has been putting in. He says all the right things too and seems very mature for his age. I'm glad we have two no nonsense guys tutoring and mentoring him in Kobe and Coach Scott. As Kobe put it, he will be an idiot to f*** this up. In 3-4 years time, when he continues his development and adjusts to the pace of this league, we will have a very special player.

I'm still shocked he fell all the way down to #7, I had him ranked #3 behind Wiggins and Parker (above Embiid because I believe he will never stay healthy, and ahead of Exum because he is too unproven). Anyways, I definitely see him as a cornerstone for this franchise for years to come. As great as winning championships have been, it's nice to finally have a young prospect to be excited about. I haven't felt this way about a rookie since Bynum dunking on Shaq and giving him a fore arm shiver! Luckily for us, Julius seems much more mature than Bynum and much less susceptible to injuries.

 

I feel like he is just barely scratching the surface of actual skills. His body, his athleticism is there. If he has a solid mid jumper and develops both hands he isn't going to be your run of the mill banger. He will be all around a GREAT player. I see the passing, IQ its all there for him. As Kobe said, he'd have to be an idiot to not be an All star.

 

Him running the floor really made me think of Lebron. I'm not saying he's the next Lebron but his combination of speed and size could become a deadly force in this league if he uses it effectively.

 

Your observation is spot on about the drive to the hole. I'm liking what I 'm seeing but I wouldn't describe him as an explosive player. I don't think you develop that. He seems to rely more on brute strength. Charles was definitely explosive.

 

Agree 100%. I don't get the LO comparison at all. Love what he's showing though.

 

Let's just say he looked like Julius Randle.

 

He's been getting compared to LO a lot lately, and I don't see it. Yeah they can both handle the rock, but they are so different. I'm actually seeing a lot of Blake Griffin in his game. Griffin is definitely more explosive, but Randle looks a bit quicker in the open court. They measure out to be really similar in regards to Height/Reach/Weight.

 

Met this kid at LAX during the summer league and he is an absolute pro. All business and looks you in the eye the entire time. Was stoked when all those teams passed up on him. He's got the tools to do some special things in this league.

 

I know everyone's sick of the comparisons, but I see some Larry Johnson in him. Smart player in the paint, with a decent outside shot. Strong with some bullying capability, but not a bully like Griffin. Definitely not the speed of LeBron.

I'm really impressed with this kid. He's 19, and he has poise and patience.

 

But how do you make a "J" everytime you hit one?

 

Lefty PF that can grab a board, go coast to coast with their handling ability, make no look passes? How many power forwards do you know that can do that?

No one is saying he is exactly like LO, just some of the skills he possesses.

 

Ok, Randle. You haven't put together two good games in a row, yet. Let's start that tonight; put in on those Queens...preseason or not.

 

Clarkson too, after missing all those games and practices, would be great to see a strong out from him too with some of his flashes. To impress and give some confidence in him to Byron's can't ignore attention. He needs minutes as does Randle.

 

The thing that sticks out most so far is how strong Randle is. Almost every game, there is a play or two where he's working in the post and he just pushes the defender back like he's a little girl. The guy is built like a bull. You can't teach that natural strength at age 19.

 

Uh oh you're probably in trouble. Just like poor NBA guy that inadvertently touches a ball after it has gone through the net. Habits die hard. Also if no intent or malice no harm no foul. Though if "little boy" had been said, I would take ZERO offense.

 

#HeForShe I like it real

 

yeah, I've never seen the odom comparison. less explosive griffin + better ballhandling is about right.

 

The LO comparisons stem from his size and style when dribbling the ball coast to coast (also he's a lefty). Now he only has flashes of LO but he needs to be more physical while not charging the defense. I think if he takes some of Metta's post moves (also toughness) and incorporates some finesse, we could have a real monster on our hands. But what do I know, just a keyboard warrior.