Pistons Palace NBA mock draft post lottery
By Joe Dexter
6. Boston Celtics
Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky
It’s hard to pass up production. That’s the definition of Julius Randle’s game while at Kentucky. As a freshman, he had more double doubles than anyone in college basketball. When the Wildcats needed him to step up in the NCAA tournament, he showed a veteran poise inside. In big games, there is no doubt that Randle is going to show up.
Apr 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Julius Randle (30) puts up a shot between Wisconsin Badgers guard Bronson Koenig (24) and Nigel Hayes (10) in the first half during the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The only thing that might hurt him in this draft is he is the most developed player in the draft. You know what you’re getting, and there is no upside.
That shouldn’t bother the Boston Celtics.
They went into the off-season hoping the could get lucky on lottery night and land Joel Embiid. Since there isn’t another center even close to his talent in this class, Boston has to go with the next best thing. Randle is an instant upgrade over Brandon Bass and gives this team a lot of prospect talent inside the paint.
Not only does he grab down an insane amount of boards, but he is able to dominate at times in the paint offensively. Randle made 52% of his attempts inside two point range. He controls the game by getting fouled, making his free throws, and not getting in foul trouble.
If the Celtics have Jared Sullinger, Julius Randle, or Kelly Olynyk to offer alongside with a couple of the 50,000 draft picks they’ve acquired over the last few years. Those assets could be used to acquire Kevin Love. Could you imagine Julius Randle and Kevin Love in the same frontcourt? Opposing teams might as well just run shooters out there, cause they would not get a chance to grab a board.