JULIUS RANDLE – PF/C (PLAYER OPTION)
While All Star point guards, Kemba Walker and Goran Dragic would usually be ideal candidates to feature in this list, aging concerns and frailties on the defensive end paired with the LA’s intent to integrate their rookie guards into their future plans, diminishes the likelihood of a deal.
Contrarily the 23 year old Pelicans forward, Julius Randle, would be a telling addition given the unresolved futures of frontcourt players on expiring deals. Dubbing himself as The Black Panther, he had merited plaudits for his noteworthy performances with the Lakers’ second unit. Often featuring as a small ball center, his distinctive attributes distinguish him from traditional big men. Powerful post up play, rebounding prowess, switchability on defense and ability to carry the ball from coast to coast brought him success last season.
Further his fierce mentality and knack of generating high energy plays ousted his deficiencies as a shooter. Aggregating 21.7 points and 10.8 rebounds per 36 minutes at an impressive 55.8% chip, he’d established himself as a formidable scoring threat and a voluminous rebounder in the paint.
Should the Clippers look to bolster their front-court options on the cheap, Randle would represent a serviceable alternative. Conforming to the Clippers’ demand of procuring unselfish talent with high character and intensity, he has constructed a compelling argument for himself. Posing a competitive edge over opponents, accompanied by a positive character profile deems him as a preferable alternative over fellow big men.
Under the supervision of former champion Doc Rivers, the unfledged forward could experience a rapid growth in various spheres of his game. A potential move for the ex-Lakers forward will denote an inexpensive, canny inclusion.