Julius Randle is already reaping the fruits of his decision to sign a two-year, $18 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, seeing the signs of a natural fit with a team that prioritizes ball movement.

“This was the absolute best possible fit basketball-wise for me,” Randle told Jim Eichenhofer of Pelicans.com. “One thing that stood out that I didn't even realize was that they were second in assists last season, which shows the culture and unselfishness of the team.”

Randle was coming off his best NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers, but the two parties agreed to part ways and simplify his free-agent process by renouncing his rights, allowing him to become unrestricted and sign with the team of his choice.

Article Continues Below
More Pelicans News
Featured image Elfrid Payton
Pelicans declining team option on assists-per-minute leaderDylan Fine ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) drives to the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the second half at Target Center.
Jeff Teague makes grim retirement prediction for Pelicans’ Zion WilliamsonJackson Stone ·
Derik Queen reacts on stage after being selected as the 13th pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Derik Queen sends warning amid NBA Draft criticismLorenzo J Reyna ·
Derik Queen stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 13th pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Kendrick Perkins embraces ‘Baby Jokic’ comp for Pelicans’ Derik QueenRichard Pereira ·
Pelicans' Derik Queen stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 13th pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center with Pelicans' Joe Dumars in the background
Shams Charania claps back at Bill Simmons over Derik Queen-Pelicans tradeJulian Ojeda ·
Asa Newell stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 23rd pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Bill Simmons calls Pelicans’ draft trade with Hawks one of ‘dumbest of decade’Preston Byers ·

Pelicans talisman and fellow Kentucky Wildcat Anthony Davis was the first one to come calling, which resulted in a quick agreement to come join him in The Big Easy.

During his short stint with New Orleans, Randle has already built a rapport with Jrue Holiday, who took a major leap as a top-tier defender at his position, without forgetting his true point guard roots.

“He’s just an extremely unselfish player,” said Randle of Holiday. “If he’s the first guard ahead and he’s getting into the paint, I can just cut and he’s going to find you. I love playing with him.”

Randle is bound for big minutes as a starter or coming off the bench, making an excellent pairing alongside Davis or as a spark-plug sixth man for this team.