Although the Los Angeles Lakers currently employ both Steve Nash and Jeremy Lin at the point guard spot, might Julius Randle be used to bring the ball up the court?
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It doesn’t sound as if the Lakers would have much need for the rookie to be a ball handler, though general manager Mitch Kupchak says the former Kentucky star could be used in such a capacity.
“But I could see him bringing the ball up the court. I could see him seeing a gap, getting a step on a guy and making a play — whether it’s finishing or finding somebody that’s open. Those are ball-handling skills that you wouldn’t see power forwards have very often.”
There aren’t many ‘big men’ in the NBA who have this skill so it’s something the Los Angeles Lakers could use occasionally, though there’s no reason to believe that it’ll be something seen very often.
In addition to praising Julius Randle’s ball handling skills, Kupchak also stated that he believes the rookie can guard opposing small forwards, suggesting his quick feet are the reason why.
“He’s got super quick feet and I think if there’s one thing you didn’t see much at Kentucky, as you do watching him every day, is that he’s got really gifted quickness, first step, [and] he loves contact,” Kupchak said.
There’s certainly no shortage of praising Julius Randle on the Lakers part. Hopefully the expectations haven’t been placed too high.
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