2017 NBA Manifesto
Julius Randle
PF, 6’9, 250lbs, 22 years old, 3 years of experience
Much improved his finishing at the rim, shooting 57.7% on lay-ups and 46.0% on hook shots, up from 49.4% and 43.8% respectively. The jump shot from both mid and long ranges needs much further improvement, and the rebounding rate that was once a strength took a worryingly large drop into normalcy, but in improving his scoring efficiency (partly via shot selection, partly via simply making more relatively easy ones), Randle addressed the most immediate area for development in his future. He also pushed the ball well, running the break both with and without being the leader, which is rare for a rather chunky four-man but most welcomed, and reflected in his assist rate that nearly doubled. Now he needs to improve the defence. Closing out, rotating correctly, taking charges, getting beaten off the dribble less and not relying on the chase-down block when he is. Oh, and getting an off-hand.
Player Plan: One year of rookie scale salary remaining. Eligible for an extension this summer; however, with 2018 cap space aspirations in mind, it is only worth giving him one if the starting salary is less than the $12,447,726 cap hold that he will have. [Cap holds for Qualifying Veteran Free Agents following the second option year of their rookie scale contract will, as of next offseason, rise to 300% for players whose salary was less than the average salary, up from 250%.]
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PF, 6’9, 250lbs, 22 years old, 3 years of experience
Much improved his finishing at the rim, shooting 57.7% on lay-ups and 46.0% on hook shots, up from 49.4% and 43.8% respectively. The jump shot from both mid and long ranges needs much further improvement, and the rebounding rate that was once a strength took a worryingly large drop into normalcy, but in improving his scoring efficiency (partly via shot selection, partly via simply making more relatively easy ones), Randle addressed the most immediate area for development in his future. He also pushed the ball well, running the break both with and without being the leader, which is rare for a rather chunky four-man but most welcomed, and reflected in his assist rate that nearly doubled. Now he needs to improve the defence. Closing out, rotating correctly, taking charges, getting beaten off the dribble less and not relying on the chase-down block when he is. Oh, and getting an off-hand.
Player Plan: One year of rookie scale salary remaining. Eligible for an extension this summer; however, with 2018 cap space aspirations in mind, it is only worth giving him one if the starting salary is less than the $12,447,726 cap hold that he will have. [Cap holds for Qualifying Veteran Free Agents following the second option year of their rookie scale contract will, as of next offseason, rise to 300% for players whose salary was less than the average salary, up from 250%.]
