UPDATE (9:55 AM): Julius Randle responded to reports that he may need foot surgery and could potentially miss two-three months:
No disrespect but check with the actual source next time before you put something like that out there @WojYahooNBA
— Julius Randle (@J30_RANDLE) June 12, 2014
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Julius Randle was one of the most productive players in all of college basketball last season, leading the nation in double-doubles in his only season at the University of Kentucky. Randle is a surefire lottery pick who many believe could end up with the Lakers on draft day.
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Randle’s stock could slide a little bit after this recent revelation however. According to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, Randle may require foot surgery that would keep him out for 2-3 months:
Yahoo Sources: Kentucky forward Julius Randle will likely need foot surgery after NBA Draft, miss two months. http://t.co/2UHGKLqrEm
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 12, 2014
Randle broke his foot during his senior year in high school and had a screw inserted that needs to be removed for precautionary reasons. The foot didn’t heal correctly and Randle, though he hasn’t felt any pain or missed any games, could need surgery to ensure that the foot heals normally.
The surgery would force Randle to miss Summer League, but he would likely be cleared by the time training camp begins. Some are worried that the foot may become a factor down the road.
Despite this, Randle will still be selected in the top-10 as many executives were aware of the situation. MyNBADraft.com currently has Randle slated to go the Lakers with the seventh selection and the Lakers do have major needs up front.
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But with the way the Lakers have been destroyed by injuries the last two years, would they be willing to take a risk on someone who may have injury issues coming in? The draft will be an important step in the Lakers re-build, so their selection will show what direction they plan on going.
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MyNBADraft.com – Julius Randle
