When Julius Randle was initially scouted at Kentucky, he played a lot in the painted are. He was found posting up defenders almost every possession. His strength, motor, and soft touch allowed him to finish over longer defenders. His quick feet and ball-handling allowed him to get by big defenders.
He looked like a legit lottery pick.
The draft can be seen in two different ways. Who is the best team fit? Who is the best talent? It’s rare that a team can find both. The Lakers didn’t need to acquire Kobe Bryant. They already had Eddie Jones.
We’ve seen how drafting the best talent works out.
Julius Randle happens to be both. While he hasn’t played strictly in the post, the NBA style of play allows him to show off his versatility. He had his best game against a tough opponent, the Portland Trailblazers.
He shot 7 of 10 from the field, and finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 turnover.
His first highlight is going straight to the post against Victor Claver. He recognizes his size advantage over the defender, backs him up, and takes a soft shot on the baseline.
The 0:11 mark shows him grabbing the defensive board and going coast-to-coast. If this reminds you of Lamar Odom, it should. Odom loved to push the tempo and finish with his left hand. Randle wisely slows down at the rim, then decides to be aggressive to convert the basket. The entire time, he keeps his head up, surveying the floor.
The 0:26 mark shows him taking a pull-up midrange jumpshot off-the-dribble. He’s gaining confidence in his shot. Although he misses, the 0:32 second mark shows him with the basketball, surveying the floor quickly, and hitting teammate Jordan Clarkson with a no-look pass for a baseline floater.
At the 0:40 second mark, the midrange jumpshot drops.
The 0:50 mark shows Julius Randle making a mistake. Portland set a soft double team while Randle had his back to the basket. Clarkson was wide open along the baseline. Randle is caught watching the defender, but recognize Clarkson on the cut. While he outpowered Dorell Wright in the post, court-vision from post position can be improved on. Admittedly, his baseline shot was at a very tough angle. Nice shot.
At the 1:10 mark, his range looks comfortable out to 20′.
At the 1:25 mark, Portland adjusted defensively and had Meyers Leonard defend Randle. Randle has a footspeed advantage but Leonard spaced him well. No matter. He dropped another mid-range jumpshot.
At the 1:55 mark, the bank is open.
Overall, it was his best game to date. He showed commitment to defense. He rebounded. He showed off his quadruple threat skills: ball-handling, passing, shooting, and post play. While Ed Davis is stealing the show a bit and Lin’s dynamic play lead to winning basketball, it’s Julius Randle standing out with his offensive talent.
It has taken two weeks of preseason play, and his mid-range jumpshot looks consistent.
Imagine what he can do by All-Star break.
He should be playing in it.