Subscribe
Follow Us
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.
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.
Article Continues Below
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.
