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2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for Julius Randle

By Simon Smith

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 06: Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after making a three point basket against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on February 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 06: Julius Randle #30 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after making a three point basket against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on February 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Following a genuine breakout season with the New Orleans Pelicans, here are five potential landing spots in 2019 NBA free agency for Julius Randle.

The moment the New Orleans Pelicans won the rights to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the decision facing Julius Randle was essentially made for him.

With the Pelicans certain to select Zion Williamson with the No. 1 overall pick, the impact this would have on Randle’s ability to contribute next season and beyond makes his decision to opt out of the second year of his deal with the Pelicans all the more sensical.

In his sole season as a Pelican, Randle thrived in the up-tempo style of play employed by head coach Alvin Gentry. In 73 games, he averaged a career-high 21.4 points per game, along with 8.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 30.6 minutes per game. As a starter, these numbers jumped to 23.4 points and 8.9 rebounds a night in 49 games.

While he clearly excelled in Gentry’s system, it was the expansion of his overall game that was most noticeable. Over his final three seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Randle attempted a total of 144 shots from 3-point range, converting at a 25.7 percent clip. Last season alone, the 6’9″ Randle launched 195 times from long range, hitting at a reasonable 34.4 percent return.

Given he’s still just 24, there’s no reason to believe that Randle can’t further evolve his perimeter shooting, while also rounding out the other areas of his game.

So in a summer filled with a plethora of bigger name free agents, here are five potential landing spots for Julius Randle.