Brooklyn’s newest star faces his lowest rating in years as the franchise looks for his veteran physicality and playmaking to anchor a promising, rebuilt starting five.
For many sports fans, September means buying the new addition of NBA 2K, which allows you to play as your favorite NBA teams and players.
2K has begun to release some of the player ratings for this year's game, most recently highlighting Brooklyn Nets rookie point guard Mikel Brown Jr. as a top-10 highest rated first-year player this upcoming season.
But, on Monday night, the company released the beginning of their top 100 ratings, with the first Net making his appearance at No. 73.
Julius Randle, who was acquired just before draft night by Brooklyn, is rated an 83 overall, coming in alongside Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon and Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum.
This is Randle's lowest rating within the game since the 2022-2023 campaign, when he was ranked an 82 overall during his time with the New York Knicks.
But, now, Randle has landed with the other Big Apple franchise, and instantly raises the Nets' floor.
"Julius is an extremely accomplished player who will raise our level of physical toughness and competitiveness," General Manager Sean Marks said after making the deal official. "His veteran leadership and big game experience will be immensely impactful to our young players as we continue to grow as a team. We’re excited to welcome Julius and his family and look forward to making them part of our Brooklyn community."
In his second season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Randle scored 21.2 points per game, adding 6.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists on solid 48.1-percent shooting.
After a solid first round showing against the Denver Nuggets, Randle struggled immensely against the San Antonio Spurs' length and size, which had many analysts and fans calling for Minnesota to look to move the 3-time All-Star.
It was later reported that Randle was the lone Timberwolf to skip exit interviews following the end of their season, highlighting the rising tensions.
But, considering what Randle brings to a team like the Nets, this was a great move for Marks to make.
Randle's physical playstyle should compliment Michael Porter Jr.'s perimeter-oriented attack, while giving the Nets another willing playmaker and shot creator.
For a Brooklyn team who did not have many table setters last season, the roster is now littered with players who can get their own shot or create for others.
Moving forward, a starting lineup of Randle and Porter on the wings, with Egor Dëmin and Brown in the back court, and Day'Ron Sharpe down low is very intriguing for this young Nets team, as you get a little bit of everything.
Having Dëmin and Brown in the backcourt should also benefit Randle, who excels in the open court and will be able to run the floor alongside Brooklyn's young guard duo.
