Hoops Habit
Fansided

2019 NBA free agency: 5 players in need of a change of scenery

By Daniel Lubofsky

CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics moves the ball against Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter of a preseason game at Dean Smith Center on September 28, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 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. The Hornets won 104-97. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics moves the ball against Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter of a preseason game at Dean Smith Center on September 28, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 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. The Hornets won 104-97. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
(Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Julius Randle

The New Orleans Pelicans didn’t treat Julius Randle poorly during his one season with the team. Quite the opposite, in fact, as they provided the fifth-year veteran a platform to average career highs in points, rebounds and assists.

After the season, there appeared little doubt regarding the money Randle would command after such an impressive showing. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen around the league, agendas have a way of shifting in a near instant, as is the case with this New Orleans squad.

The Pelicans went into the NBA Draft Lottery with just a 6.0 percent chance at landing the No. 1 overall pick. Call it probability or give thanks to the basketball gods, because the franchise would leapfrog past six other desperate hopefuls and land the rights to the No. 1 overall pick. Their prize? Duke forward Zion Williamson.

A burly 6’7” 285-pound point forward, Zion is one of the most hyped college prospects in recent memory with a game similar to Randle’s. Given his age and a significantly higher ceiling, it makes all the sense in the world for New Orleans to hand over the keys of the franchise to its incoming rookie.

Williamson and Randle could hypothetically play together, but their overlapping strengths would make such a scenario difficult to thrive in. Coupled with the lack of ability to space the court and Randle’s inability to protect the rim, and the duo would make for an awkward pairing.

Randle spent four years with the Los Angeles Lakers trying to find his niche. The Pelicans helped him unlock more of his potential, but given all that’s happened in recent months, they seem to be headed down a different path — one Randle would be better served not being a part of.