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New Orleans Pelicans: Complete 2018 offseason grades

By Adam Tayabali

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JULY 13: Elfrid Payton #4, General Manager Dell Demps, and Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans pose for a photo during a press conference on July 13, 2018 at the the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JULY 13: Elfrid Payton #4, General Manager Dell Demps, and Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans pose for a photo during a press conference on July 13, 2018 at the the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images.
Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images. /

Landing Julius Randle

Following heavy recruitment from fellow former Kentucky Wildcat Anthony Davis, the Pelicans signed Julius Randle to a two-year, $18 million contract. Randle played in all 82 games, averaging 16.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game on a career-high 55.8 field goal percentage.

The 6’9″ center is a skilled in transition, with his solid handle and good vision allowing him to run the floor and make plays for his teammates. With Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins, first and third on the team in assists per game, both on their way out, Randle fills an emerging need.

On defense, he’s also very versatile. He’s mobile enough to stick with speedy guards and uses his length and toughness to make bigger centers uncomfortable and rip the ball away.

Playing alongside a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate in Anthony Davis works best with another floor-spacer, however. Cousins and forward Nikola Mirotic both shot at least 35.0 percent from 3-point range last season.

Randle will need to increase his volume and 3-point percentage to avoid allowing double-teams on Davis.

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 is always moving and gets open for an easy dunk or layup, shooting a career-high 72.8 percent on shots within 0-3 feet from the basket.

Randle’s work ethic is second-to-none and he’ll continue work on his shooting mechanics. This move was perfect.

Grade: A+

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