Los Angeles Lakers: Is Julius Randle The Next Draymond Green?

Is talented Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle the next Draymond Green?

Julius Randle is a 6-foot-9 power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers. At 21 years old, Randle averaged a double-double in his rookie season. Randle was drafted in 2014, however, in his NBA debut he logged 14 minutes before he broke his leg. This was a major set back for the 19-year-old forward, but he has bounced back tremendously.

In comparison, Draymond Green is a 6-foot-7 power forward for the Golden State Warriors. Green is 26 years old, and has had an enormous influence on the NBA over the past few years. At 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds, Green plays a lot of minutes at the center position for the Warriors. Due to the fact that he is extremely versatile, quick, and strong, Green is one of the best undersized big men in the game.

College Comparison

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Draymond Green – Michigan State Spartans – Senior

16.2 points per game, 10.6 rebounds per game, 3.8 assists per game, 0.9 blocks per game.

Julius Randle – Kentucky Wildcats – Freshman

15.0 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game, 1.4 assists per game, 0.8 blocks per game.

Although they had very different college experiences, Green being a four-year player and Randle being a one-and-done guy, they were very similar. What is even more impressive is that Randle almost averaged the same stats as a 18-year-old freshman that Green did as a senior.

During a recent interview, Green was asked about his relationship with Randle, and what he thought about him as a player.

"Q. What’s your impressions of Julius Randle?Green: From the first time I saw him play, I just loved the intensity that he played with, the fire, the dog, the passion and fire that he played the game with. You see a young guy like that, coming into the league at 19 years old, No. 1 you respect it. But you want to do what you can to help him be successful. At the end of the day, we are competitors. We’ll play against each other four times a year and possibly in the playoffs. But it’s not about that.-Via The Orange County Register’s Mark Medina"

Green notes that Randle plays with intensity, fire, and passion. After hearing those three words, what NBA forward comes to mind? None other than Draymond Green.

Green is an in-your-face defender, who is one of the most obnoxious players in the league. He is afraid of no one, as we saw when he went head-to-head with LeBron James in the NBA finals.

Randle has yet to show that side of his game. Does it exist? Possibly, possibly not. But lets not forget that we are comparing the two as players and not their personalities.

Coming into the league at age 19, Randle obviously has the upper hand as far as potential goes. He was drafted as 7th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft, and still has a ton of upside. On the other hand, Draymond was somewhat overlooked as he was selected early in the second round of the 2012 NBA draft.

Later on in the interview with Draymond Green, he was asked if Julius Randle could be the next Draymond Green.

"Q. What do you think of the talk on whether Julius can be the next Draymond Green?Green: “I think it’s cool because he can do the stuff that I do. He can handle the ball. He can make plays for other people. He can defend. He’s super strong. He can rebound the basketball. So I think he can [be the next me]. I also think he has the potential to be better. With the God-given gifts he has, he has the potential to be better.”Q. To be better? But you’re also going to get better, too.Green: “I’ll continue to grow. I’ll never stop working and I’ll continue to get better. But what is he? 21. That’s a lot of time to continue to grow. The thing about him you can’t teach is his heart. When you have that heart and type of dog, you’re going to work. I think he can be really really really good.”-Via The Orange County Register’s Mark Medina"

Draymond again praises Randle’s work ethic, and overall game. Also, Draymond highlights Randles age. Currently Julius Randle is five years younger than Draymond Green, so just think five years down the road how great Julius Randle could be. The Los Angeles Lakers have struck gold with Julius Randle, now the question is will they be able to let that gold shine.

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Overall, is it safe to say that Randle will be a better player than Green? Only time will tell, however, Randle’s future is very, very bright.