I present to you my Mock Draft

[kobeunderbite]

Never claimed that Randle's game wasn't predicated on physicality, but the notion that he cannot shoot or cannot put the ball on the floor is laughable. His shot is adequate and will only improve, and he has shown incredible ball handling ability/touch for someone his size. It's not as if he powers up and dunks over defenders, generally speaking his 'bully-ball' play concludes with impressive finishes that show off his impressive touch and body control.

This all being said without mentioning his elite rebounding.

[wailuaFC]

Never claimed that Randle's game wasn't predicated on physicality, but the notion that he cannot shoot or cannot put the ball on the floor is laughable. His shot is adequate and will only improve, and he has shown incredible ball handling ability/touch for someone his size. It's not as if he powers up and dunks over defenders, generally speaking his 'bully-ball' play concludes with impressive finishes that show off his impressive touch and body control.

This all being said without mentioning his elite rebounding.

He is a very good finisher with his left hand, but hasn't shown the same ability with his right and there is absolutely no stat to show him being a decent shooter. At least smart makes his uncontested jumpers at a high clip, randle doesn't even do that well.

[kobeunderbite]

Smart the PG hits uncontested jumpers at a higher clip than Randle the PF?

Shocking stuff.

In all seriousness, Randle's shot is mechanically sound, he just did not shoot very often in college. Hard to develop a rhythm or consistency when he has such infrequent opportunities to actually shoot jumpers. The same article that l3bron copy-and-pasted from says as much regarding his mechanics, and states that he is a catch-and-shoot threat out until the 3pt line (ironic).

[wailuaFC]

Smart the PG hits uncontested jumpers at a higher clip than Randle the PF?

Shocking stuff.

In all seriousness, Randle's shot is mechanically sound, he just did not shoot very often in college. Hard to develop a rhythm or consistency when he has such infrequent opportunities to actually shoot jumpers. The same article that l3bron copy-and-pasted from says as much regarding his mechanics, and states that he is a catch-and-shoot threat out until the 3pt line (ironic).

Smart strong suit is his elite defense and the biggest knock in him was his shooting, but he actually shows promise in that are due to him showing he can hit those shots at a high clip. Randle on the other hand is being drafted for his offense (and rebounding), but he doesn't shoot the ball well, contested or not, and doesn't have a refined post game.

[kobeunderbite]

It really feels like this is going around in circles.

There are potential shortcomings in the game of this 19-year old draft prospect? Crazy! Same criticisms could have been made of Lamar Odom when he was initially drafted. Odom did not have the skills or the touch that Randle currently does, though. Aaron Gordon's stock has been soaring despite the fact that he, like Randle, will be supposedly undersized in the NBA, and has an absolutely atrocious shot, and poor handles (he would kill to have the jumper that Randle does, or his ball handling ability).

Randle's combination of size and skill is a rare thing.

[wailuaFC]

It really feels like this is going around in circles.

There are potential shortcomings in the game of this 19-year old draft prospect? Crazy! Same criticisms could have been made of Lamar Odom when he was initially drafted. Odom did not have the skills or the touch that Randle currently does, though. Aaron Gordon's stock has been soaring despite the fact that he, like Randle, will be supposedly undersized in the NBA, and has an absolutely atrocious shot, and poor handles (he would kill to have the jumper that Randle does, or his ball handling ability).

Randle's combination of size and skill is a rare thing.

Why do you keep bringing up Odom? They are about as far apart as draft prospects as possible.
"Odom is a lean, long-armed 6-10 player with guard skills. He is a superior passer that handles the ball well enough to bring it upcourt. Odom glides downcourt with good speed and quickness, and he is very good in early offense...Odom has unlimited potential ...Can he show the ability to play a physical game?"

Now does that sound anything at all like randle?

[kobeunderbite]

As far apart as possible? Are you in touch with reality?

If you Google the words 'Lamar Odom Julius Randle', you'll note that the comparison has been made many times. Seem crazy now? Does this really surprise you? Seems kind of weird that you can't make the connection. They are both 6'9-10 forwards with remarkable handles and quickness for players of their size. Maybe a less bulky, more skilled Zach Randolph would make slightly more sense?

I don't really understand the two page attack on Randle. The way you nitpick his game, you'd think everyone entered the NBA completely polished and ready. Seems kind of insane to dismiss Randle as a bust-in-waiting based on these very common rookie shortcomings, while never acknowledging the tremendous pluses to his game.

[wailuaFC]

As far apart as possible? Are you in touch with reality?

If you Google the words 'Lamar Odom Julius Randle', you'll note that the comparison has been made many times. Seem crazy now? Does this really surprise you? Seems kind of weird that you can't make the connection. They are both 6'9-10 forwards with remarkable handles and quickness for players of their size. Maybe a less bulky, more skilled Zach Randolph would make slightly more sense?

I don't really understand the two page attack on Randle. The way you nitpick his game, you'd think everyone entered the NBA completely polished and ready. Seems kind of insane to dismiss Randle as a bust-in-waiting based on these very common rookie shortcomings, while never acknowledging the tremendous pluses to his game.

Ive nitpicked his game enough and between l3bron and I we have posted others that agree with our assessment, so Ill just let it go. I still find the odom comparison hilarious though, as there is literally nothing similar about their games (other then height), Randle is much more david lee/derrick coleman/ z-bo

[kobeunderbite]

Completely disregarding the fact that the comparison has been made many times seems a bit like a 'cover-my-ears-with-my-hands-and-yell' kind of approach. Didn't really peg you as that kind of guy. "Literally" nothing similar about their games, other than their size, quickness, and ball handling ability. Just 3 essential basketball qualities is all. It's also ironic that you claim that you have "posted others that agree with our assessment", while ignoring the fact that many seem to share my sentiment on the Odom comparison.

Again, you're more than welcome to be down on Randle's game. A lot of prospects have comparable alleged holes in their game before being drafted btw

[wailuaFC]

Completely disregarding the fact that the comparison has been made many times seems a bit like a 'cover-my-ears-with-my-hands-and-yell' kind of approach. Didn't really peg you as that kind of guy. "Literally" nothing similar about their games, other than their size, quickness, and ball handling ability. Just 3 essential basketball qualities is all. It's also ironic that you claim that you have "posted others that agree with our assessment", while ignoring the fact that many seem to share my sentiment on the Odom comparison.

Again, you're more than welcome to be down on Randle's game. A lot of prospects have comparable alleged holes in their game before being drafted btw

To be honest, I found only one site that made an odom comparison, and it was form an article when he was still a high school senior. I hope youre assessment of him is closer to the truth then mine, because a lot of boards have us taking him. We will just have to wait and see and Im sure the lakers will make the right draft choice, whether it be randle, smart, or someone else

[kobeunderbite]

There are many sources that made the same comparison.

I'm not so sure they will, but I admire your faith in the front office.

[Y2K]

lol @ any team taking Embiid