Scouting Report: Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky

It's possible that Julius Randle is a victim of his own success to some degree. In a different universe, one where production is valued above all else, Randle is battling to be the top pick in this draft; you would be hard-pressed to find a freshman with better numbers, and on a team that made the NCAA Championship game, no less. But Randle's in the mix with a pair of power forwards who didn't do what he did, so we're left to look for reasons why Randle isn't the favorite. He may not be the biggest or longest of the group, but maybe there's a reason he was so good for Kentucky.

Background

Scouting Report

Strengths: Randle is a banger, and he's the type of player fans will surely appreciate watching and coaches will enjoy molding. His body, as NBA-ready as any, allows him to get his points and rebounds the hard way, but don't let that description mask his skill - he also happens to be an adept ball handler with a strong face-up game and savvy post moves.

Weaknesses: Randle isn't as long as Noah Vonleh or as athletic as Aaron Gordon, though he measured safely as a four instead of a three. Concerns remain about his defense at the next level, however. Randle also isn't quite the floor spacer the other two profile as, hitting just three triples all season.

Highlight Reel

What to Expect on Draft Day

Randle remains in the middle of "tier two" of the draft, and he, Vonleh and Gordon will battle for position up until draft night. His upside is probably lower given how he pales, by measurements and in terms of defensive potential, to the other two, but he's the most NBA-ready of the group. Some have suggested he could go as high as No. 3, but that seems a bit optimistic - he and his two power forward counterparts probably won't go higher than No. 5 but are unlikely to slide past No. 10, unless Randle's alleged foot issue gives teams pause.