In the second installment of our series before June 26's NBA draft, Sean Kane analyzes a power forward who is expected to be a top-10 (maybe top-five) pick:
Julius Randle
Position: PF
Height/Weight: 6-9, 250
School: Kentucky
Randle is the latest in a growing list of "one-and-dones" to leave Kentucky after one season under John Calipari. His decision to leave school was well-founded -- he'll be selected in the top half of the lottery in this year's draft. Randle was the best player on a Kentucky team that fell one win shy of a national championship. He recorded 24 double-doubles as a freshman despite being the focal point of opposing defenses each and every game. Randle finished with averages of 15 points per game and 10.4 rebounds, and shot 50 percent from the field and a respectable 70.6 percent from the foul line.
He was billed as one of the elite prospects in last year's freshman class and lived up to the hype amid the intense scrutiny that accompanies playing at Kentucky. Fellow freshmen Joel Embiid, Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker all had their moments, but Randle was the most consistent performer among all the first-year players in the country last season.
Perhaps Randle's greatest achievement was avoiding the wrath of CSN's Kentucky superfan Amy Fadool for an entire season. I've watched quite a few Kentucky games with Amy over the past five years, and I've looked on in horror and disbelief as she routinely criticized the likes of John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Brandon Knight, Nerlens Noel and the Harrison twins (a who's who of lottery picks and future lottery picks). Randle, Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are the only players who have been immune to Amy's harsh and mostly unfair criticism. Impressive company, indeed.
Strengths
He's a rebounding machine who is relentless inside the paint. Randle relies heavily on his left hand but has shown he can use his right hand effectively. He's also capable of getting out on the fast break and scoring in transition. Randle has solid form on his jump shot when he chooses to step out on the perimeter. Randle's unselfish demeanor also stands out. He could have scored 20 points per game but averaged less than 10 shot attempts playing in Kentucky's star-studded lineup. Randle never appeared agitated by his lack of touches and was genuinely happy to watch his teammates succeed, particularly in the NCAA tournament.
Weaknesses
Randle hasn't demonstrated the ability to be a consistent perimeter shooter, something that is a prerequisite for NBA power forwards. He'll need to develop a dependable jump shot from 15 to 18 feet to keep defenders honest on the pro level. A growing percentage of NBA power forwards are comfortable shooting from beyond the three-point line. That type of range seems a long way off for Randle, who was most effective in college from inside 12 feet.
NBA
There are also concerns about Randle's defense and short wingspan. He'll work hard enough to improve his defense and the wingspan issue is overblown. When it comes to Randle, the only legitimate weakness is his lack of a reliable jumper.
How he'd fit with the Sixers
He would fit in well with the Sixers in the respect that he would give them someone who can routinely score with his back to the basket. Every team needs a player who can be relied on to score on either block. The Sixers currently don't have such a player on their roster. Noel may develop into that type of player, but he's not that guy right now. On the other hand, the Sixers could use a power forward who can stretch defenses with the ability to shoot from the perimeter. Randle doesn't have that weapon in his arsenal as he enters the NBA.
NBA comparison
Zach Randolph. From being left-handed to attacking the glass to his creativity and scoring in the lane, Randle calls to mind the current Grizzlies forward. That's not to say Randle is a lock to average 17.2 points and 9.4 rebounds for his career like Randolph has, but the skill sets are very similar. Randle's work ethic shouldn't be called into question -- he's more than capable of making himself into an All-Star-caliber forward like Randolph.
Draft projection
Early lottery (fourth to eighth overall pick)