will Randle be better than Sully?

[SHAQATTACK]

Hard to say yet. 

Sully is a good player already

I'd probably draft Randle and see what develops,  less risk than Sully was with a bad back.

I ve given up on Celtics getting a center.

Maybe he or Sully could be traded for a center or better player in some deal ,

[Yoki_IsTheName]

Randle will be a bust, like Sheldon Williams.  No thanks.

Shelden Williams cant handle the ball, nor play at the post like Randle can.

He may not reach expectations, but he's not going to toil in mediocrity like Williams. At worse Randle will be the 3rd big and average 12-6. He's skilled and knows how to use his body. Has upside too.

[Galeto]

will I get killed if I say Randle kinda reminds of Brandon Bass? But a player who actually wants to use his strength and bully his way vs I rather take jump shots?

so basically a Brandon Bass that can rebound better, quicker?

I don't see how they're anything like.  Bass dribbles and passes at a below-average level and his game revolves around shooting 15 foot jumpers, although he's been better at taking it to the hoop and pump faking until he sees blue sky and then dunking it with two hands.  He's also one of the most two-footed jumpers in the league to such a degree that if he was in the long jump, he'd just fall flat on his face or DQ every time. 

Randle, on the other hand, handles the ball well (although he's prone to being out of control in the open court), passes well and willingly and really needs to shore up his outside shot.  Randle also projects to be a good rebounder whereas Bass is well below-average on the boards.

This is like saying Green is like Lebron minus the handle, passing and extraordinary shotmaking ability. 

[guava_wrench]

Randle struggled this year scoring against player with equal or greater size or athleticism because his arms are so short. Blocking his shots inside was easy for those that had that equal or greater size or athleticism. His hunger and tenacity allowed him to rebound a ton of those redirected by Randle because he was bothered by the defender misses/blocked shots and make something of them but I fear this is going to be a problem at the next level.

It may not be anything but with his not having any right handed shot whatsoever, I think smart, large, athletic NBA PFs will key on his left hand and be able to contain him until he can start hitting a regular deep outside shot allowing him to use his dribbling skills and/or until he learns to shoot with his right.

TP

[lantinm]

Randle is a more athletic version of Zach Randolph and has a legit shot to be a perennial 20-10 guy.  He hasn't shown it much this year, but he can make the 3-ball as well.  If he develops a consistent outside shot, he'll also remind some of Rodney Rogers.  Either way, you have to take him if he's there.  He's hungry and his motor is off the charts.  Personally, I'd only draft Smart if we deal Rondo.  A Rondo/Smart backcourt might be solid defensively, but they would be terrible from the outside.  Honestly, we just need to get lucky and hope we get a Top 4 pick (to take Wiggins, Embiid, Randle, or Parker).  If our pick is 5 or worse, we should look to package it for a star, or move down in the draft and pick up an extra 1st-rounder.  If Danny can work it out to get three Top 18 picks, I'd love to draft Gordon, McDermott, and Lavine.

[LooseCannon]

Maybe but will we really invest our first round pick in a PF THREE years in a row?

If he is the best player available, then sure.

[Galeto]

Randle is a more athletic version of Zach Randolph and has a legit shot to be a perennial 20-10 guy.  He hasn't shown it much this year, but he can make the 3-ball as well.  If he develops a consistent outside shot, he'll also remind some of Rodney Rogers.  Either way, you have to take him if he's there.  He's hungry and his motor is off the charts.  Personally, I'd only draft Smart if we deal Rondo.  A Rondo/Smart backcourt might be solid defensively, but they would be terrible from the outside.  Honestly, we just need to get lucky and hope we get a Top 4 pick (to take Wiggins, Embiid, Randle, or Parker).  If our pick is 5 or worse, we should look to package it for a star, or move down in the draft and pick up an extra 1st-rounder.  If Danny can work it out to get three Top 18 picks, I'd love to draft Gordon, McDermott, and Lavine.

His motor is pretty good, especially on the boards but it's not perfect.  A big area where his motor needs to improve is transition defense.  I suppose it's part of growing pains and getting out of the high school mindset that you're the star of the team and busting it back is the work of the other grunts (which has been a problem for Kentucky since all the star freshmen have left it to others to get back on defense). 

Regarding his defense, I used to think he was going to be a player who gave it all back on defense and more but I think his defense has really improved throughout the season.  His post defense has gone from standing still and putting an arm up to really battling and using his strength.  There was one game against LSU that Johnny O'Bryant was really taking it to Cauley-Stein and Randle motioned to Calipari to give him a shot at O'Bryant.  Not only was that a good sign but he shut O'Bryant down too.  Similarly, when he's been switched onto perimeter players, he's actually done a fantastic job.  He's not easy to get around with his quick feet and he's really seemed to relish the challenge. 

Randle may never be an above average rim protector but a big knock on his defensive potential was whether he was ever going to give the effort.  He didn't in high school or early in the season but that's changed.  Unlike Randolph, he's got the physical tools besides length to be a good defender.

If it's between Randle or Parker, I'd be hesitant to pass on Parker because improved conditioning could put him on an elite level but Randle is a very good prospect who looked good in a pick and roll offense.

[saltlover]

Maybe but will we really invest our first round pick in a PF THREE years in a row?

Sounds like something David Kahn would do not something Dannyt Ainge would do. I think if the C's end up with pick 5 and Randle is the best player available that they trade down in the draft slightly and pick up a future 2nd rounder.

Considering we traded two second rounders to move up three spots for Olynyk, I would hope the premium to move a couple spots from 5 was higher than a future second rounder.

[LooseCannon]

Maybe but will we really invest our first round pick in a PF THREE years in a row?

Sounds like something David Kahn would do not something Dannyt Ainge would do. I think if the C's end up with pick 5 and Randle is the best player available that they trade down in the draft slightly and pick up a future 2nd rounder.

Considering we traded two second rounders to move up three spots for Olynyk, I would hope the premium to move a couple spots from 5 was higher than a future second rounder.

In the top five, moving up one spot usually costs you at least a first-round pick.

In a 1996 draft-day trade, the Timberwolves gave up a future first to swap 5th(Ray Allen) for 4th(Stefon Marbury).

In 1998, the Warriors simply gave up cash to swap 5th(Vince Carter) for 4th(Antawn Jamison).

In 1993, the Warriors gave up three firsts to go from 3rd(Anfernee Hardaway) to 1st(Chris Webber).

[CFAN38]

I think in Sully slightly edges out Randle (as long as his back holds up). I think Randle is going to have to find his was offensivly in the NBA and there are guarantees he does.

I think the best current NBA comp to Randle would be Paul Milsap.

Physically Milsap is about an inche shorter but with longer arms and they have the same reach.

Athleticly I think they are very similar. Both move well enough to play decent perimeter D and both are strong inside.

Skill wise Randle is the better passer and more refined ball handler but not worlds apart. I give Milsap the edge rebounding and defending but not by much. Scoring the ball I would say they are very similare. At such a young age (19) I would say Randle is a least 3 seasons away from hitting Milsaps level at (29) and he could obviously surpass Milsap with development.

As for Sully vs Randle. Their freshman stats are nearly identical. Size wise they are similar with sully having at least 20 lbs on randle. Athletically Randle is the better athlete and Sully is stronger. Sully has already proven that he can score in the paint against biger long NBA big men this is something Randle will have to prove. Where Sully is a 4/5 Randle will be more of a 4/3.

[Celtics4ever]

I think the best current NBA comp to Randle would be Paul Milsap.

You said earlier you think Sullinger edges Randle.  Then say the above.   Do you think Sullinger is better than Paul Milsap?   I know I don't.

It will be hard to say, I think this question needs to be asked after Randle plays against Kaminsky this Saturday.   

[gpap]

I don't know if Randle will be better than Sully but I think that question is irrelevant.

If he continues to impress in the tournament, I would definitely draft him.

Worse case scenario, you have 2 power forwards on your hands.

Olynyk should be the guy to get rid off.

[Tr1boy]

will I get killed if I say Randle kinda reminds of Brandon Bass? But a player who actually wants to use his strength and bully his way vs I rather take jump shots?

so basically a Brandon Bass that can rebound better, quicker?

He is taller than bass by a few inches, though Bass has a longer wingspan

Randle is more explosive, has more skills and is a better rebounder

Definitely better than Bass. Better than Sullinger also due to his athleticism and higher post scoring skills. 

Randle will be a nice pickup and would provide a big presence down low. He gets his shot blocked once or even twice, he will keep attacking you until you foul him or he scores the bucket. Relentless

it's just as easy to say Sully is a better rebounder and low post scorer. You can't just say a guy is better by highlighting his strengths.

Sullinger is not a better rebounder nor low post scorer. Randle is just as good as a rebounder due to his excellent ability to box out. In terms of low post scoring skills, Sully almost always fades away to score. Randle on the other hand attacks forward and can get baskets over players due  to his explosiveness. Also he has more tricks/fakes/footwork (like Al Jefferson) down low

[gpap]

will I get killed if I say Randle kinda reminds of Brandon Bass? But a player who actually wants to use his strength and bully his way vs I rather take jump shots?

so basically a Brandon Bass that can rebound better, quicker?

He is taller than bass by a few inches, though Bass has a longer wingspan

Randle is more explosive, has more skills and is a better rebounder

Definitely better than Bass. Better than Sullinger also due to his athleticism and higher post scoring skills. 

Randle will be a nice pickup and would provide a big presence down low. He gets his shot blocked once or even twice, he will keep attacking you until you foul him or he scores the bucket. Relentless

it's just as easy to say Sully is a better rebounder and low post scorer. You can't just say a guy is better by highlighting his strengths.

Sullinger is not a better rebounder nor low post scorer. Randle is just as good as a rebounder due to his excellent ability to box out. In terms of low post scoring skills, Sully almost always fades away to score. Randle on the other hand attacks forward and can get baskets over players due  to his explosiveness. Also he has more tricks/fakes/footwork (like Al Jefferson) down low

Well said and the other thing I like about Randle is he just seems to have a good feel for the game.

Now granted, that might not always translate to the NBA level, BUT if we are to base our projections on what we've seen so far in college, Randle could become every bit as good if not better than the "future hall of famers" of Parker, Wiggins and Embiid

I do also think that Randel's stock will rise and we will now possibly see him as a projected top 4 pick, where I think before he was somewhere around 7 or 8.

I also think Embiid's stock drops quite a bit because of his injuries and plus he looks a little too skinny for a center.

[Donoghus]

Depends on how Sully deals with his weight & conditioning as his career progresses.

If the Celtics are picking at #5 with the assumption that the Wiggins/Embiid/Parker/Exum are all off the board, I'd still be inclined to take Smart over Randle.   I do like Randle but the PF position just isn't a pressing need right now and I think Smart has a game that can help this Celtics team almost instantly next season.