The New Orleans Pelicans were bracing for the loss of center DeMarcus Cousins last offseason. Communication was not there on a new deal, and with the big man coming off an injury, it was thought the Pelicans did not want to commit big money to a guy who may not be the same. Cousins ended up going to the Golden State Warriors on a very cheap deal, shocking the league. With him gone, there were plenty wondering which way the Pelicans would go. Well, their big addition to help replace his production was another University of Kentucky product.
Julius Randle was a restricted free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, but due to the arrival of LeBron James, and what team they wanted to construct around James, Randle was not in the plans. Randle would eventually end up signing a two-year, $17 million deal with the Pelicans to help replace the production of Cousins.
With him arriving in New Orleans, there was a question of how he would fit. Based off his time in Lakerland, Randle was considered a banger inside with limited range. While he has shown that type of ability, he has also shown he can do much more than what was expected from him. Along with the expanded sense of responsibility for him, Julius Randle has made himself right at home and is one guy you have to give early consideration for in the Sixth Man of the Year contest this season.
With Randle coming to New Orleans, he was a guy who was expected to help, but no one envisioned him helping the way he has. One player the Pelicans lost this offseason was Rajon Rondo. He was their offensive coordinator on the court at all times, making sure everyone was in the right spots. He also was a player who allowed Jrue Holiday to move off the ball more. With him gone, Julius Randle has actually assumed some of that role. He can conceivably take the ball off the backboard and push the tempo like Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry loves to do. Along with pushing the ball, he can facilitate the offense, getting guys the basketball where they like it the most.
Along with his facilitating surprising people, so has Randle's range. When he first came into the NBA, he was considered very limited, even out to 15 feet. As time has gone on, some expected him to be better with his range when he hit free agency. Well, with him heading to New Orleans, you wondered how his lack of range would affect his relationship on the floor with Davis.
Surprisingly to some, Randle has actually fit in nicely beside Anthony Davis and his range has actually shown to be better than expected. He has expanded his game to include a three-pointer and he has hit that shot better than he has in his career this year, shooting at a 33% clip. The more he gains confidence in his three-point shooting, the more dangerous he will be and the more he will be able to space the floor for Davis.
As things are currently going, Randle is averaging a career-high 19.2 points a game while helping lead the Pelicans with Davis being in and out of the lineup. The great thing about Randle is the Pelicans can run the offense through Randle when Davis is not out there on the court.
The huge step forward for Randle has definitely made him one of the premier bench players in the NBA and without him, the Pelicans would be even worse than what they are. As time goes on, they will make their way into the playoff picture and if they do, Randle will definitely be a guy looked at for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
The only thing that could stop him at this point is injuries and poor play. If Nikola Mirotic does not play well or Davis keeps getting injured, he could find himself playing his way out of that award. Julius Randle is showing everyone he had another level to take his game and he is also showing he is one of the best subs in the NBA.
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