NBA: 10 relative unknowns entering defining seasons in 2017-18

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4. Julius Randle

Julius Randle has technically played three years in the league, though his rookie season lasted a grand total of 14 minutes. However, even though he’s basically a third-year player (which we said we’d avoid on this list), we’re going to include him anyway since the 2017-18 campaign is so important for his career.

Randle has stayed healthy since that opening night debacle back in 2014, but with only two full seasons to judge him on, his place in the NBA still hasn’t come to light. As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to start jettisoning off contracts in preparation of a star-studded 2018 free agency class, Randle could be on the table as a trade sweetener.

As of right now, we know Randle’s got a quick first step, solid passing and rebounding ability and a nice spin move attacking the basket. Outside of that, his defensive potential and rim protection skills seem limited, and he’s not a stretch-4 since his game barely expands to the mid-range.

None of this stopped Randle from notching three triple-doubles or racking up 13.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game on 48.7 percent shooting last year, but he only shot 27 percent from deep, can’t defend and could be trade bait soon. If he can’t prove himself as an intrinsic part of the rebuild this season, his upcoming restricted free agency could prompt the Lakers to move him before next summer.