Pelica Debrief
Fansided

New Orleans Pelicans: 15 greatest scorers of all-time

By Daniel Lubofsky

NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 16: Chris Paul #3 and David West #30 of the New Orleans Hornets celebrate during the game against the Detroit Pistons at New Orleans Arena on December 16, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Hornets defeated the Pistons 95-87. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 16: Chris Paul #3 and David West #30 of the New Orleans Hornets celebrate during the game against the Detroit Pistons at New Orleans Arena on December 16, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Hornets defeated the Pistons 95-87. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans
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2018-Current. Julius Randle. 12. player. 69. . Power Forward

It’s interesting to see a guy still in the midst of his inaugural season with the Pelicans wind up with a spot on the list. That may have more to do with the lack of history New Orleans has as a basketball organization, but it also speaks to the talents Julius Randle continues to bring to the court.

Since coming into the league as a 20-year-old back in 2014, Randle has always shown a unique blend of incredible strength complemented by a guard-like ability to handle the basketball. Even as a rookie, he was able to simply bully his way to the basket with his 250-pound frame, and as a guy who could bring the ball up following a rebound, he was an absolute terror coming down the floor in transition.

https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1106751282620960768

In his first season as a Pelican, he’s appeared to fully reach his potential as a versatile inside-out threat with increased opportunities to handle the basketball and make plays. His new role has led to a career-high 21.1 points per game, incredible given his relatively low 30.3 minutes a night, which also happen to be the most amount of playing time he’s received in any one season of his previous four in the league.

At 33.3 percent on a modest 2.6 attempts per game, Randle has begun the process of expanding his game out to the 3-point line, a scary sight for those poor defenders tasked with keeping him outside the restricted area. Even if the shot never truly comes, the former Kentucky Wildcat will still find plenty of ways to drain the life out of the opposition with a constant attack of the bucket that has them begging for help from teammates.