The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Sixers: Top 5 free agents in the Pacific Division

By Christopher Kline

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 14: the Los Angeles Lakers exchange high fives during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 14, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 14: the Los Angeles Lakers exchange high fives during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 14, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

No. 2: Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers

Last season was a breakout year for Randle, averaging 16.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. He now hits the market as a restricted free agent, likely to obtain a large contract in the coming week(s).

Strengths

Randle is at his best with four shooters around him, whether that be at power forward or center. His versatility is a nice fit on the modern NBA, as he can push the ball in transition and create for others at a decent clip.

Having a high-end rebounder who can handle the ball and playmake, especially on the fastbreak, is supremely valuable — especially in an up-tempo system. Randle can also create his own offense, using his strong frame and advanced footwork to carve out space and score in the paint.

His shooting is still a weaknesses, but he is a 25.7 percent career three-point shooter. There’s room for growth in that respect.

On the defensive end, his ability to switch around the floor is another valuable trait. He’s the kind of small-ball big teams value nowadays.

Weaknesses

Aside from shooting, which is something Randle can still improve, his primary weakness is shot selection. He made massive strides as a playmaker and complimentary piece last season, but he still has moments where he forces shots in traffic.

He isn’t much of a rim protector either, which could push some teams away. Randle is at his best playing center, which, at 6-foot-9, doesn’t fit with every team’s game plan. That can change with floor-spacing fives, though. He fit nicely with Brook Lopez last season.

He also averaged the same number of turnovers as assists last season.

Fit

Randle doesn’t really have a spot in Philly. The Sixers need a backup center, but Randle costs too much. His fit next to Joel Embiid isn’t great either, especially when you factor Ben Simmons into the equation. There just isn’t enough spacing for it to make sense on paper.