Julius Randle
Many Utah Jazz fans may argue that Julius Randle isn’t much of an upgrade over Derrick Favors. I can certainly see that argument and definitely thought as much as well prior to this season. However, there’s also no denying that Randle is having a heck of a year with the New Orleans Pelicans. And he may ultimately be a better fit at the four than what the Jazz currently have in Favs.
Randle is putting up a staunch 20.8 points per game this season and looks a lot more confident in his offensive repertoire. He’s not burning the nets down from three, but he has stretch ability as he converts on 34.2 percent of his shots from the perimeter. That’s up 12 percent from a season ago which is a highly promising aspect of his trajectory. It’s also nearly 12 percent better than Favors, for what it’s worth.
What’s perhaps more exciting is that Julius is just 24 years old, meaning his best years are very likely still ahead of him. If that’s the case and he’s already nearly a 20-10 guy, then he most certainly deserves a decent look. I’d have a hard time moving on from Favs, but there’s no denying the Jazz need a bump at the four-spot, and it’s entirely plausible that Randle could be part of that solution. He’s an unrestricted free agent so if he feels the fit is right in Utah, he’d absolutely be attainable.