Nov 4, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari gives instructions to forward Julius Randle (30) during the game against the Montevallo Falcons at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Montevallo 95-72. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
3. Towns’ Fit with Julius Randle
I mentioned above that Towns’ versatility would clearly give the Lakers more options during free agency, given that would seem to be able to play the 4 or the 5 at the next level. Similarly, it seems pretty clear that Towns, at first glance, appears to be a much better fit with Randle, the Lakers lottery pick from last year. Now, I know that I had previously argued that the Lakers shouldn’t draft a player based upon their potential fit with Randle, but should simply take the best player available. However, this article is assuming that the Lakers view Towns as the superior prospect to Okafor, hence why they would trade up for no. 1 pick in the first place.
I think its pretty clear that Towns and Randle would seem to be a much better fit than Okafor and Randle defensively. This is because, at this moment, we don’t know how good Randle will hold up defensively in the NBA since he missed almost all of last season. And, looking at Randle’s college statistics (he averaged 1 block per 40 minutes), he certainly wasn’t anywhere near the shot blocker that Towns was at Kentucky, nor is he projected to be in the NBA. This isn’t to say that Randle won’t be a good defender in the NBA, just that he certainly doesn’t seem like he is going to be a rim protector, which Towns very likely will be.
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In sum, assuming that the Lakers view Towns as the vastly superior prospect, they shouldn’t hesitate to trade up to get him. But if the Twolves are unwilling trade partners , I certainly won’t lose any sleep over the Lakers taking Okafor.