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The sleeper pick at #5: Julius Randle

Elizah Huge

Elizah Huge

Respect All, Fear None
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"I did my homework and spoke to the best foot doctor we have in the country," said Randle, addressing concerns that a fracture he sustained in high school had not healed properly. "There’s no issue with my foot. I got through five workouts. I’m good, ready to go through summer league wherever I am. That’s all I know. I don’t know anything about a surgery."

"Do we have a concern about his foot? No," Walt Perrin said.

On Wednesday, Randle looked up at the banners hanging in the Jazz’s practice facility when asked if he thought he would fit in with the franchise.

"You look up there and see all the accomplishments, all the Jazz organization has done," he said. "I think I fit in right away because I come from a program like that."

And the banner the Jazz are missing — a championship banner — is something Randle says is foremost on his mind.

"My expectations are a championship," he said, "and here would be a great spot for it."

Andy Katz @ESPNAndyKatz

Julius Randle worked out well for Jazz on Wednesday. Didn't show signs of foot issue, but teams are suggesting surgery to prevent later damage.
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Julius Randle recorded the 2nd most double-doubles ever by a freshman in a season. Some guys he is ahead of on that list: Durant, 'Melo and Love.

Jazz have a history of drafting players who make a NCAA Title run, but come up one game short (Hayward, Burke).

Walt Perrin also said that the team sees Derrick Favors as a center moving forward.

Burke
Burks
Hayward
Randle
Favors

Doesn't look too bad to me, especially is the top-4 all go in the top-4.
 
Sleeper:

Something or someone that becomes unexpectedly successful or important after a period of being unnoticed, ignored, or considered unpromising or a failure.

I didn't say the Jazz were going to pick him, I merely said he is a sleeper for the pick.
 
I'm okay with the Jazz taking Randle if Wiggins, Embiid, and Exum is off the board. Its a tossup between Randle, Vonley, and Gordan to me.
 
I wouldn't call him a sleeper, I'd call him the odds on favorite, especially after the Embiid injury. Jazz fanz don't have to like him as a prospect, but the fact is he is the exact type of player with a winning pedigree the Jazz love to latch on to. I'd be saying this even if I didn't like him. It's just reality.
 
seattlejazzfan said:
I wouldn't call him a sleeper, I'd call him the odds on favorite, especially after the Embiid injury. Jazz fanz don't have to like him as a prospect, but the fact is he is the exact type of player with a winning pedigree the Jazz love to latch on to. I'd be saying this even if I didn't like him. It's just reality.
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I think ultimately it could come down to Vonleh vs Randle...


Vonleh is definitely the better fit on paper. Because Favors is so immobile and he cannot shoot that jumper consistently, Vonleh is just everything that Favors isn't. He can guard guys on the perimeter, he can hit that midrange jumper, he can hit that 3pointer, he also has that calm demeanour that Utah Org. just loves. Simply put he is the PERFECT FIT.


However, I think Randle's fight and leadership is something that this Jazz team NEEDS. Randle brings that fighter mentality this team lacked from top to bottom last year. Favors is too quiet. Kanter is not savvy. Hayward is STILL a boy scout and Burke is too small to impose his will on a game. Randle would come in and would light the fire under each of these players from DAY 1.


Very difficult decision, my head says Vonleh, but my heart says Randle. That's how hard it is to choose.
 
Hotttnickkk said:
I think ultimately it could come down to Vonleh vs Randle...


Vonleh is definitely the better fit on paper. Because Favors is so immobile and he cannot shoot that jumper consistently, Vonleh is just everything that Favors isn't. He can guard guys on the perimeter, he can hit that midrange jumper, he can hit that 3pointer, he also has that calm demeanour that Utah Org. just loves. Simply put he is the PERFECT FIT.


However, I think Randle's fight and leadership is something that this Jazz team NEEDS. Randle brings that fighter mentality this team lacked from top to bottom last year. Favors is too quiet. Kanter is not savvy. Hayward is STILL a boy scout and Burke is too small to impose his will on a game. Randle would come in and would light the fire under each of these players from DAY 1.


Very difficult decision, my head says Vonleh, but my heart says Randle. That's how hard it is to choose.
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I think you bring up good points about Vonleh and while I don't like him as a prospect, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Jazz take him. Having said that, I think what will win the Jazz over for Randle is the consistent production - leading the nation in double doubles - and the fact that he led his team to the national championship. The Jazz care about that stuff. It will be interesting to see what they do.

Can't effing wait for Thursday!
 
seattlejazzfan said:
I think you bring up good points about Vonleh and while I don't like him as a prospect, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Jazz take him. Having said that, I think what will win the Jazz over for Randle is the consistent production - leading the nation in double doubles - and the fact that he led his team to the national championship. The Jazz care about that stuff. It will be interesting to see what they do.

Can't effing wait for Thursday!
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Yeah I know the Jazz love that stuff - but the "fit" is not ideal. Randle doesn't seem to have a consistent jump shot yet. He doesn't shoot the 3. He scores mostly in the paint - which is where Favors "lives". He is not as good a defender as Vonleh which will put more pressure on Favors... The "fit" isn't ideal is what I'm saying and that MAY prevent the Jazz from taking him irregardless of whether or not he is better than Vonleh.
 
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