Valley of the Suns
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Five free agent PF’s to keep an eye on for the Phoenix Suns

By Ross Ittel

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 06: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns as he makes a pass in the second half of the game at Staples Center on February 6, 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 06: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends Tyson Chandler #4 of the Phoenix Suns as he makes a pass in the second half of the game at Staples Center on February 6, 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Julius Randle

Another restricted free agent, Julius Randle has started to put it together, although he has always been a solid ball-handler and passer at the four spot.

Being a one-and-done product out of Kentucky, the Lakers selected him with the seventh pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. After injuring his leg just 14 minutes into his first game, Randle was forced to miss the rest of his rookie season. However, hehas been very durable since then.

At 6’9″ and 250lbs, Randle does not offer the athleticism of an Aaron Gordon but has a fluid game and and can move around the floor pretty well. The lefty is not much of a deep shooter as evident in his 0.5 3-point attempts a game.

That said, Randle has shown an ability to hit from the mid-range and is effective from the the elbows. His offensive game is a face up and attack style. He has improved footwork on the low block and can play some small ball five from time to time.

Like Gordon, his current team’s roster situation is interesting. The Lakers are clearly big name hunting this summer and would likely have to renounce his rights if they are able to land one of the big fish out there. However, the Lakers may be forced to wait until they hear from the top free agents and might want to keep as much cap space as possible. A decent offer right off the bat at the start of the free agency period should be able to make the Lakers hesitate and let him go.

With the emergence of Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram at the forward spots there may also not be room for Randle in Los Angeles even if they cannot land a single max-level player.

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