How Julius Randle Could Win Rookie of the Year
By Colin Lopez
October 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) moves to the basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Last night, Julius Randle had the best game of his brief Lakers’ career. In 24 minutes, Randle finished with 17 points on 7-10 shooting, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 turnover (per 36 minute stat fans rejoice!). His offense came in a multitude of ways, whether he was driving to the hoop, backing his man down on the block, or utilizing his mid-range game. Randle flashed enough potential to have Lakers’ fans salivating over their 7th overall selection. Here’s a guide to how Julius Randle could win Rookie of the Year:
1. Play at least 50 games with at least 30 minutes per game. Since 2004, every Rookie of the Year has hit these achievements. Kyrie Irving played 51 games at 30.5 minutes per game, while Brandon Roy was the only other winner to appear in less than 60 games for his team. With a very deep draft class and throw in Nerlens Noel’s rookie campaign and Randle would have to eclipse both of these marks to earn a spot in the conversation.
2. Score at least 16 points per game. Emeka Okafor was the lowest scorer, at 15 points per game, to win in recent history, but also had double digit rebounds to back it up. Every other Rookie of the Year since 2004-05 has averaged at least 16 points per game.
3. He can’t be a one trick pony. Scoring a lot is a good thing. Rebounding a lot is a good thing. Dishing out assists is a good thing. But only being able to do one of the three isn’t a good thing. Only Kevin Durant managed to win Rookie of the Year without averaging at least 4 assists and 4 rebounds or over 5 per game in either category. Rookie of the Year rewards well rounded players over people who excel at one thing. For Randle, this is perfect: he can score, rebound and isn’t afraid to lead the fast break.
4. Team success isn’t an important factor. Last year Michael Carter-Williams won Rookie of the Year playing for one of the least talented NBA teams in history. Unlike the MVP voting, team success has very little to do with Rookie of the Year. Randle could put up big numbers on a Lakers team that misses the playoffs and that wouldn’t hurt his chances.
5. Embrace Byron Scott. Did you know that two of the past nine Rookie of the Years were coached by Byron Scott? Kyrie Irving in Cleveland in 2011-12 and Chris Paul in New Orleans in 2005-06. Many have been worried by Scott and his reluctance to give Randle big minutes, but Scott has clarified that point of view saying he has to “earn it.” If Randle continues to play like he did last night, Scott won’t have any other choice but to give him the minutes he deserves.
Now, Randle could hit all these marks and still fall short in his Rookie of the Year bid. With Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Nerlens Noel, Elfrid Payton, and Marcus Smart all in the same field, it’s very possible Randle won’t win the award. And look at last year; no one projected Michael Carter Williams to be a candidate before the season started and he took home the award. But if Randle can somehow stand out above the rest, the Lakers may have gotten the steal of the draft at the 7th pick.