Julius Randle didn’t have the greatest week at the Vegas Pro League. Too often, he was found winded and out of shape. Recall, that Randle had been on several flights before the Vegas Pro League, just to make sure his right foot checked out okay.
When the doctors cleared him to play, he got thrown into the fire.
He knows he has skills to work on. We all know he has a great set of physical tools. Once they’re combined, they can lead to something special.
.@J30_RANDLE putting some work in on Monday afternoon. https://t.co/yFv2yGo8BB
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 11, 2014
The Vine video shows him working on his ball-handling, his mid-range jumpshot, the Mikan drill, and high-post drives. All of this relates to a high-post game. Julius Randle showed that his comfort level is high in regards to working from the high post. He loved to face up defenders from 15′ away, use a crossover, and attack the basket; brushing off defenders with his board shoulders and using a power dribble on the way up.
These skill sets will allow him to adapt to a Princeton-type offense easier. Chris Webber, in the early stages of his career, was a slashing power forward. Webber and Randle have different physical skills altogether. Once Chris Webber got a feel for the perimeter game and implemented high post skills, he made the half-court offense look unstoppable. The Sacramento Kings were dominant offensively. Julius Randle is getting an early start with the same skill level. While he may not be as fast or explosive as Chris Webber, he is stronger, with better footwork in the post, and a stronger base.
Like Nick Young and Kobe Bryant, Julius Randle is working on his game. The Laker unit is at the gym six weeks before training camp. They are eager to play. They are eager to prove themselves. They are eager to win.