New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis played a big role in recruiting Julius Randle to The Big Easy in the offseason. After the Los Angeles Lakers renounced the free agent rights to Randle, Davis quickly reached out to Randle and told him to come to New Orleans.
Davis' pitch worked, as Randle signed a two-year, $18 million deal with the Pelicans in July. Randle will take over as Davis’ new partner in crime this season after DeMarcus Cousins’ departure, and Davis says he enjoys playing with Randle for multiple reasons.
Anthony Davis on Julius Randle: "He’s very physical. He can shoot better than I thought. Plays hard all the time… He wants to make the playoffs for the first time, along with Elfrid. You just kind of fall in love with guys like that, because it’s going to make you better."
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) October 13, 2018
In 82 games last season with the Lakers, Julius Randle averaged 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, shooting 55.8 percent from the field, 22.2 percent from beyond the arc, and 71.8 percent from the free-throw line. The second year of his contract with the Pelicans is a player-option, so Randle can become an unrestricted free agent again in 2019.
Anthony Davis and Julius Randle have the potential to be a lethal frontcourt duo. Davis can score from the post and perimeter, while Randle does most of his damage in the paint by using his upper body strength to bully players. In a rugged Western Conference, the Pelicans are going to need Davis and Randle to perform at an elite level almost every night if they want to make the playoffs. Both players are walking double-doubles and have the ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways.
At his introductory press conference with the Pelicans, Julius Randle said he wants the Pelicans to be his home for the long-term. He feels this is a group that can grow together and make some noise out West. Only time will tell if that will be the case.
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