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
Julius Randle
Much like Blake Griffin, who missed his entire rookie season due to a leg injury, Julius Randle is on track to explode onto the scene his sophomore season. Interestingly enough, this comparison goes deeper than their shared injury.
Both players posted 35.5″ verticals and measured about 6’9″, 250 lbs with stellar wingspans at their corresponding Draft Combines. They also share similar skill sets.
Due to their size, Griffin and Randle are classified as point forwards that possess guard-like ball handling abilities and vision which is a nightmare for opposing teams to deal with. They also entered the league without a consistent mid-range jumper, and their decision making needed work.
With each passing year, Griffin has improved exponentially, and Randle will have to prove the same within the next couple of years.
Much like Randle, Bryant was the top recruit coming out of high school. However, Bryant had Shaquille O’Neal and other key veterans to help shoulder the load he was ultimately being groomed to carry.
Randle may not have that same luxury with Bryant’s pending retirement coming sooner rather than later, but the additions of two young studs like Russell and Jordan Clarkson will provide Randle with some much needed assistance.
Next: Jordan Clarkson