Julius Randle Embraces Leadership Role With Nets

The Brooklyn Nets knew they were adding an accomplished player when they acquired Julius Randle from the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this offseason. What became even clearer during his first media availability as a Net is that they also expect him to become one of the veterans helping shape the franchise's next chapter.

Speaking with reporters during NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, the three-time NBA All-Star discussed everything from returning to New York and joining one of the NBA's youngest rosters to mentoring Brooklyn's developing core. While Randle has built his career on scoring, rebounding and physicality, he made it clear that his role with the Nets extends well beyond what he'll do on the court.

After spending the last two seasons competing for championships in Minnesota, Randle now joins a Brooklyn team still working toward contention. Rather than viewing that as a step backward, he sees it as a different challenge.

"I definitely feel like from a leadership standpoint I can help a lot more," Randle said. "Just being through it and having the experience."

The situation isn't completely unfamiliar.

When Randle signed with the New York Knicks in 2019, he joined another young team trying to establish itself. Although Brooklyn's circumstances are different, he acknowledged there are similarities between the two situations. The biggest difference, he said, is how much more prepared he feels now than he did seven years ago.

That experience is exactly what general manager Sean Marks and head coach Jordi Fernández told him they wanted him to bring.

"Just really show them how to be a pro," Randle said. "How to attack every single day, how to ride the ups and downs of the season and stay level-headed."

Randle said his conversations with Fernández have only increased his excitement about joining the Nets.

"Talking to him, we got a chance to win every single game," Randle said. "To have that confidence from your coach is amazing."

For a team expected by many to prioritize development this season, Randle doesn't see any reason Brooklyn can't be competitive at the same time.

"I think we coming in trying to win," Randle said. "However we can help give the younger guys experience and confidence and help them fast-track to contributing to winning basketball, that's really all that matters."

He also isn't paying much attention to outside expectations after arriving from a Timberwolves team that reached the Western Conference Finals.

"I believe in our team. I believe in the talent that we have," Randle said. "It's really about what we believe as a group and not what the outside noise is."

Although he admitted he didn't watch much of the Eastern Conference while playing in Minnesota, Randle said he already knew Brooklyn had plenty of young talent. He mentioned rookie Egor Demin along with veterans Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann as players he's looking forward to sharing the floor with.

One player he's already reached out to is first-round pick Mikel Brown Jr.

Shortly after the NBA Draft, Randle contacted the rookie guard to congratulate him and let him know he'd always be available if he needed advice.

"I really just want to be able to be a vet that he can come and talk to," Randle said.

Whether it's dealing with frustration, building confidence or simply adjusting to life in the NBA, Randle wants to be someone Brooklyn's younger players can lean on.

He even shared a lesson he still remembers from his own rookie season. Veteran guard Ronnie Price once told him that "the first year is the longest year," advice Randle admitted turned out to be true.

Now entering Year 13, he hopes he can pass along that same perspective to the next generation.

Randle has always been known for his scoring and rebounding, but he believes his passing is one of the more underrated parts of his game.

"I really love to pass the basketball," Randle said. "I really enjoy getting guys going."

He said building chemistry will be one of his biggest priorities once training camp begins, especially as he learns where teammates like the ball and becomes more familiar with Fernández's offensive system.

"I feel like I can really help make other people on the team better," Randle said.

Randle also admitted the trade itself wasn't a complete surprise.

After hearing his name surface in rumors throughout last season, he had a few days to prepare for the possibility before the deal became official. Having already spent five seasons playing in New York, the move back to the city feels much different than it would have earlier in his career.

"It feels like such a great opportunity," Randle said. "It's a city I'm already really familiar with. It's a situation that I'm familiar with."

Trade speculation also doesn't carry the same weight after more than a decade in the league.

"I'm 13 years in," Randle said. "I'm kind of used to that."

Even when asked about facing the Knicks after spending five seasons across the East River, Randle quickly brought the conversation back to Brooklyn.

"If we're about the right things and do the right things every single day," Randle said, "the results will follow."

Training camp will determine exactly how Randle fits alongside Brooklyn's new-look roster, but one thing stood out from his first media session with the organization. The Nets didn't acquire him solely because of his production as a three-time All-Star. They also brought in an experienced veteran they believe can help guide one of the NBA's youngest teams while setting the standard for the culture they're trying to build under Fernández.

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