The 2014 NBA Draft, A Different Take #1 Through #5
By Mike Garcia
Nov 27, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Julius Randle (30) shoots the ball against East Michigan Eagles forward Lekan Ajayi (12) and guard Daylen Harrison (35) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated East Michigan 81-63. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
2. Julius Randle – PF – Kentucky. Where’s Wiggins? He’s not on the list yet. Be surprised. At a 6’9″ with an 6’11” wingspan, the left-handed power forward from Kentucky has a style of game that resembles Chris Webber from the high post with a Zach Randolph touch in the paint. Randle has a motor that compares to Kenneth Faried, often going against two to three defenders in the paint on a game-to-game basis. He is a face up power forward that uses a crossover and a series of spin moves to attack from 17′ and in. He has a simple shake off-the-bounce that helps him get by his initial defender. His post game is equally as effective. He has a go-to left-handed jumphook but has a series of flip shots in the paint. He has outstanding touch in the paint, where he converts at a 65% clip, elite at an NBA level. His lateral quickness is surprising considering how much strength he has. Like Embiid, he can effectively hedge out on pick and rolls and switch onto the guard if he has to. He uses the lateral quickness to avoid foul trouble and lead the guard away from his body, where he contend for a blocked shot. While he is turnover prone and doesn’t show incredible vertical ability in the paint for lob plays, his floor game is far more advanced at the power forward slot than anyone else at the NCAA level. Coaches will love him simply for his ability box out, rebound, and sustain his high activity level.