Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: 5 most underrated signings of the 2018 offseason

By Craig Brallier

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Orlando Magic during their game at Spectrum Center on December 4, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Orlando Magic during their game at Spectrum Center on December 4, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 05: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on January 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 05: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on January 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Julius Randle

Signed with Pelicans – two-years, $18 million

The signing of Julius Randle spelled the end for the brief era of DeMarcus Cousins in New Orleans, but the Pelicans walked of this summer in just as good of shape as they were in before. Not title contenders, but I wouldn’t want to deal with their front court.

Last season with Cousins and Anthony Davis, the New Orleans Pelicans were the nonconformists of the league, opting to start two 7-footers in a league obsessed with small ball. This season, Randle gives them the option to play a little more on the high-low side. Randle isn’t an outside threat by any means, but he’s very effective off of the dribble, and a solid passer for a power forward, and will be able play some high-low post sets with Davis.

He’s also a solid ball handler. With the Los Angeles Lakers, Luke Walton wanted to use Randle the same way Golden State uses Draymond Green as a point forward. Even when he doesn’t have the ball in his hand, Randle runs the floor very well.

Randle’s defensive ability will also be front and center with Davis’ who is one of the league’s best. Randle’s size and athleticism allows him to be a solid two way player, and the Pelicans may not be contenders, but they’re going to be an irritant for the rest of the league.

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