Chasson Randle chasing NBA goals with Sixers

Share

CAMDEN, N.J. — His name is pronounced ‘chase-in’ — “like you’re chasin’ somebody,” he explained.

Chasson Randle is chasing his NBA aspirations with the Sixers.

The point guard signed a 10-day contract on Tuesday following a four-player workout that included fellow D-Leaguers Cat Barber, Yogi Ferrell and Briante Weber.

Randle was averaging 20.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 19 games for the Westchester Knicks this season. 

“I just want to bring a lot of energy on both ends of the floor, be aggressive, and try to make plays out there and be a great teammate because we’ve got a lot of great guys here,” Randle said after his first practice. “I’ve only been here 24 hours, but I can just tell these guys are amazing.”

Although listed as a point guard, the Sixers envision utilizing Randle at the one- and two-spots. This versatility addresses multiple needs across the backcourt, which the Sixers took into consideration when making the decision to sign him.  

The Sixers are without Jerryd Bayless (wrist) for the season, and Sergio Rodriguez returned on Sunday from an ankle sprain. They have been starting third point guard T.J. McConnell and shifting shooting guard Nik Stauskas to the backup one position.

Over at the starting shooting guard spot, Gerald Henderson has been battling hip issues. The addition of Randle allows the Sixers to plug in another player during practice when managing Henderson.

“It gives us a balanced practice,” Brown said. “We’re very mindful of Gerald Henderson’s health. At times we don’t spend our money in practice and we need another body there.”

The Sixers also were thinking down the road with the signing. Should Randle still be on the team when Ben Simmons returns (no timetable announced), he has the skillset that could complement Simmons. The first overall pick went through his first five-on-none work on Tuesday and played point guard (see story).

“With the selection of [Randle], you feel like if he was able to continue on, there could be a place for him,” Brown said. “He’s a combo guard like Jerryd Bayless.”

Randle spent last season overseas with ČEZ Nymburk in the Czech Republic. He posted 12.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 47.3 percent from three. 

Randle went undrafted in 2015 following a standout four-year career at Stanford. During his senior year, he was named a Pac-12 All-Academic First Team honoree and Stanford’s first Capital One Academic All-America First Team selection since 2006. 

“He’s the all-time leading scorer in the history of Stanford basketball, and I felt like the gym was smarter today,” Brown said. “There’s intellect, there’s a history, there’s pedigree that we respect and there’s a balance to our team that he allows us to fill.”

Randle’s first game with the Sixers will be Wednesday against his former NBA affiliate, the Knicks.

Contact Us