Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Julius Randle (30) shoots against Connecticut Huskies forward DeAndre Daniels (2) in the second half during the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Julius Randle isn’t the finesse-type of power forward that Aaron Gordon is. Randle uses his brute strength and tremendous motor to be an effective player on both ends of the floor. His combine results are similar to Paul Millsap. Both players are of similar height, build, and standing reach. At 6’7.75″ with a 7′ wingspan and 8’9″ standing reach, he fits right at the NBA average for the power forward position. While that does not seem appealing, what Randle has that few NBA players do, is the combination of strength and motor. Guys like Reggie Evans and DeJuan Blair have made a living on those two traits, simply for rebounding prowess. Randle is a far more skilled player than both Evans and Blair coming out of Kentucky.
Athletically, his numbers are not mind-blowing, but he uses every ounce of this athletic abilities on the floor. He’s a notch over Paul Millsap athletically, with a slightly higher standing vertical, higher maximum vertical, quicker lateral agility, and faster 3/4 court sprint time. With results of a 29″ no-step vert, 35.5″ max vert, 11’6″ maximum reach, 11.45 second lateral agility, and 3.27 3/4 court speed, he is clearly an above average athlete at the power forward position.
While those are solid combine results, what it doesn’t mention is how he uses those athletic results in combination with his motor and strength to finish in the paint. Earlier in the year, he was questioned for having a short wingspan, even when Kevin Love and Blake Griffin have similar wingspans. Then, he was questioned for his ability to play above the rim.
Simply put, he shouldn’t be questioned. Against Michigan State, he absolutely shredded the entire frontline, including Adreian Payne.
This box score shows how he put the entire frontline in foul trouble.
Julius Randle is of a different mold than both Noah Vonleh and Aaron Gordon. He has every right to be a Top-5 pick. The fact that he might slip later into the lottery is a reflection of how deep the top talent is, not a reflection of his individual talent.