Will Los Angeles Lakers’ Julius Randle win Rookie of the Year?
After finishing with a record of 27-55 last year, the sixth-worst mark in the league, the Los Angeles Lakers had the seventh-overall pick in last month’s draft. They used that selection on former Kentucky Wildcats’ power forward Julius Randle, a move that has been almost universally praised.
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Randle was at one time looked at as a top three prospect, but because of questions about his defense and the rise of other prospects like former Kansas Jayhawks’ center Joel Embiid and Australian point guard Dante Exum, he began to fall. After it was reported that he would need surgery on his foot, it looked like his slide may continue. However, Randle has been given a clean bill of health and will be participating in the Las Vegas Summer League this week.
In fact, Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders expects Randle to be in the Rookie of the Year discussion.
"Truth be told, while I completely understand why the Lakers were pursuing Melo, if they play their cards right (thanks for getting ‘Rounders’ stuck in my head this morning, Joel Brigham!) and spend wisely, they can not only bring in younger talent but keep themselves in a position to make a run at some of the bigger names over the next few years (KLove, Durant, Westbrook) while continuing to see what they have in Randle. Ftr, I think Randle is going to be spectacular. If healthy, I expect him to be in the ROY discussion based solely on skill and what I imagine will be ample opportunities to shine with next year’s Lakers."
Randle was ranked as the draft’s fourth-best prospect according by Jonathan Givony of Draft Express. He measured in at 6’9″ and 250 pounds with a wingspan of 7’0″ at the NBA’s Scouting Combine. Last season, he put up 15.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 50.0% from the field and 70.6% from the charity stripe.