Randle played well offensively. And he's maybe the worst player on our team at rotations. He's honestly dreadful.
Julius's awareness off the ball both offensively, defensively, and on the glass is ATROCIOUS. Just genuinely terrible. I've been harping on it since Summer League. When he actually boxes out and when he pays attention defensively, he has games like he did against Dallas. When he doesn't, Roy looks bad and Julius looks for someone to blame. Bad body language and I hate that we're seeing it from him honestly. In fact, I've been generally unhappy with his activity level out there ever since his "we have to put our egos aside" thing from a few games back. I'm not sure setting your ego aside means being less aggressive young man. The talent is still there though. Sometimes he is genuinely unstoppable. He needs to work on his post moves again and figure out when/where to attack at all times. Last night they had Harris and Gordon on him. Neither of those guys have what it takes in their back pocket to guard him. Take them to the post and keep drilling that fader in the lane until they give up and cry.
He's not a dumb guy obviously and he's an alpha dog. Why does anyone think this is not clicking with him yet at all then? Metta is supposed to be in everyone's ear, especially his, and Metta is walking the walk out there showing these guys. Why isn't Julius getting this?
Agreed 100% There was this one play last night when he didn't even bother contesting a 3-point shot. That is unacceptable from a rookie. Honestly, I would bench him every single time he makes a lackluster effort like that. That'll wake him up.
^ But it hasn't. Byron has tried and it doesn't work. Julius has a problem accepting blame for a mistake like that. He's very Kobe-esque in that way. You remember back when we were good and Kobe never played consistent help defense? Julius thinks he's Kobe in that regard.
Too bad Kobe's his idol But Kobe was already an established defensive player when we were good. For his first few years he was a dog on defense. (Julius was a toddler then lol) He knew what it took to win and was spectacular when it counted. And considering the offensive load he had to shoulder, it was semi-acceptable to see him slack a bit at times. Unlike Kobe, Randle doesn't even know what good defense is. He needs to be taught some discipline. If benching doesn't work, some DNP's may be necessary.
DNP's aren't the way to talk to him. Julius wants to be great. Well he needs to know the greats did the little things. I think he knows that he just hasn't put it into practice yet. He's still only 20 and an NBA baby. He'll learn. He'll just never be great at it.
That's really a shame because he has the tools to become a great defender. He shows some flashes. I guess this video was pretty accurate.
He's left me with complete disappointment so far....at times he shows well on offense but then goes and plays out of control for a brick or turnover. His defense and rebounding is pathetic as you say.I too have seen him showing up teammates on HIS missed rotation, or box out, that is reminiscent of Howard, don't like it at all.Scott is benching the wrong guys in Russell and Clarkson.
Whoa that's more harsh than I meant it I'm far, far, far from completely disappointed in him. He's got extraordinary talent. In fact he strikes me as being frustrated that guys aren't keeping up with his talent level and he should be. His lack of activity is correctable literally at any moment. All he has to do is decide to boxout or decide to be more dedicated defensively and he can do it. He's young. I'll be patient. His man-to-man defense is far from pathetic, his help defense is pathetic.
Yeah but that's just one aspect of his game. I'm blown away by his offensive abilities. He needs to be consistent but that'll come with time. He's still easily an above average starter, let alone player and he's only 20 years old? If what we're worrying about is the details that means he's got the talent already. I can dig that.
I think he's a borderline starter right now, but I'm very intrigued by his potential - could be an 18/9 guy, and I don't think his man defense is bad. He has good tools.
