2018 NBA free agency grades: Pelicans scoop up Julius Randle
After heavy recruitment from All-Star Anthony Davis, Julius Randle join the New Orleans Pelicans in a potential center swap.
The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to a two-year, $18 million contract with big man Julius Randle. The Los Angeles Lakers renounced their rights to Randle earlier Monday, thus making him an unrestricted free agent, according to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Although his second season is a player option, Randle is still on a very affordable contract. He could opt out in order to re-sign long-term and for more money.
With fellow Kentucky Wildcat Anthony Davis recruiting so heavily, this move was the first indicator that Pelicans’ center DeMarcus Cousins could be leaving. Boogie would later shock the NBA world by agreeing to a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors.
The Pelicans are getting younger, at least for the short-term future. They signed the 24-year-old Elfrid Payton to a one-year, $2.7 million deal earlier on Sunday.
Anthony Davis' tenacious recruiting helped close the deal on Randle, league source tells ESPN. https://t.co/8BzHoVYnT5
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2018
Randle, 23, is coming off his best season in his fourth year in the league. He averaged 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He also shot a career-high 55.8 percent from the field and a solid 71.8 percent from the free throw line.
The 6’9″ center is a skilled in transition, with his solid handle and good vision allowing him to make plays for his teammates. Per 36 minutes, Randle posted 3.5 assists.
Randle’s biggest weakness is his 3-point shooting. He’s only attempted 0.5 3-point shots per game and shot only 22.2 percent from beyond the arc.
More from NBA Free Agency
- 3 NBA teams who’ll be kicking themselves for not upgrading in free agency
- 4 Offseason acquisitions that could push their new NBA team over the top
- Instant Grades for the Lakers’ unprecedented Anthony Davis extension
- 4 NBA stars who demanded a trade that didn’t happen
- NBA Rumors: Chicago pursuing the best remaining free agent
Playing alongside a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate in Anthony Davis in the frontcourt works best with another floor-spacer. Cousins and forward Nikola Mirotic both shot at least 35.0 percent from 3-point range last season. It doesn’t really work when Omer Asik is clogging up the paint.
Randle has a great work ethic, and will continue to improve on his shooting. He slowly improved in the paint, shooting a career-high 72.8 percent on shots within 0-3 feet from the basket. Similar improvements with his jump shot might be next.
The Pelicans were a fast-paced team last season. New Orleans ranked first in the NBA in pace, averaging 100.5 possessions per 48 minutes. Randle runs the floor regardless of whether or not the ball is in his hands. He is always moving around the paint, thus allowing him to get open for an easy dunk or layup.
On defense, he’s also very versatile. Randle can guard nearly every position. He’s mobile enough to stick with explosive guards and uses his length and toughness to make bigger centers uncomfortable and force turnovers. He uses his athleticism to get up and block other big men.
The Pelicans are getting Randle on a very affordable deal, and have the chance to pair another talented big-man alongside Anthony Davis. His work ethic is second-to-none and he’ll continue to expand his game. With Cousins and Rondo both on their way out, he fills needs left by both veterans and is a quality pickup.
Next: 2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Grade: A