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True or False - Randle is Undersized as a PF

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A trend I have seen recently among fans (on these boards and elsewhere) and scouts is that Randle simply doesn't have the size to play and be an elite PF.

We all saw him bully his competition in college, and even in Summer League thus far, and have thought "well, it's only because these aren't NBA type-bodies he is going against."

This statement led me to wonder how does Randle's size compares to some of the best Power Forwards in the NBA, both past and present. I am keeping this as unbiased as possible, to keep all of our minds focused on finding out the facts...

Let's take a look, shall we?

Julius Randle. Height: 6'9. Weight: 249 lbs. Wingspan: 7'0. Age: 19

So, how does that compare to the rest of the league's starting power forwards?

Comparison: Projected 2014 - 2015 Starting Power Forwards

- from ESPN.com

Here's a sample size of some of the "better" Power Forwards as they entered the league with their Draft's Physical Measurements. Although there are plenty of players on the list that could be starting Centers, they are listed as the starting power forwards on each teams projected depth chart for next season. I didn't include players like Bosh or Drummond, because they are listed as their team's starting centers.

Also, I looked into everyone's current height/weight as well to see if there was a good growth comparison or story. However, there simply isn't much change with the exception of a couple players. I'd just be repeating a lot of the same numbers (with some weight fluctuation). Almost nobody grew by more than .5 inch - for those that did, I inputted some notes on the change. Also, wingspan measurement aren't available for some of the older players. Stats per DraftExpress.com

  • Anthony Davis (PF/C). Height: 6'10.5. Weight: 220 lbs. Wingspan: 6'11.25
  • Kevin Love (PF/C). Height: 6'10. Weight: 243 lbs. Wingspan: 6'11.25
  • Dirk Nowitzki (PF/C). Height: 6'11. Weight: 237 lbs (current: 7'0, 250 lbs)
  • Pau Gasol (PF/C). Height: 7'0. Weight: 227 lbs. (current: 250 lbs)
  • Blake Griffin (PF/C). Height: 6'10. Weight: 251 lbs. Wingspan: 6'11.25
  • Serge Ibaka (PF/C). Height: 6'10. Weight: 220 lbs. Wingspan: 7'4 (current: 236 lbs)
  • Zach Randolph (PF). Height: 6'9. Weight: 260 lbs. Wingspan: 7'5
  • Kenneth Faried (PF). Height: 6'8. Weight: 227 lbs. Wingspan: 7'0
  • Paul Millsap (PF). Height: 6'8. Weight: 254 lbs. Wingspan: 7'1.5
  • LaMarcus Aldridge (PF/C). Height: 6'11. Weight: 240 lbs. Wingspan: 7'4.75
  • Tim Duncan (PF/C). Height: 6'11. Weight: 256 lbs.
  • David Lee: (PF). Height: 6'9. Weight: 230 lbs. Wingspan: 7'0
  • Kevin Garnett (PF/C). Height: 6'11. Weight: 217 lbs (current: 254 lbs)
  • Tristan Thompson (PF). Height: 6'9. Weight: 227. Wingspan: 7'1.25
  • Derrick Favors (PF/C). Height: 6'10. Weight: 245. Wingspan: 7'4

Top 15 Averages: Height: 6'10. Weight: 238 lbs. Wingspan: 7'1.75

**I included wingspan just to have another measurable in case people were curious, although personally I think it's a useless way to gauge a prospect/player.

Now, let's take a look at some of the best Power Forwards of All Time...

Notable PFs since 1985

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Using list from FoxSports.com, as well as other well known players since 1985.

  • Dennis Rodman (PF). Height: 6'8. Weight: 220 lbs.
  • Kevin McHale (PF). Height: 6'10. Weight: 210 lbs
  • Charles Barkley (PF). Height: 6'6 (!). Weight: 251 lbs
  • Karl Malone (PF). Height: 6'9. Weight: 236
  • Larry Johnson (PF). Height: 6'7. Weight: 236 lbs
  • Derrick Coleman (PF). Height: 6'10. Weight: 236 lbs
  • Shawn Kemp (PF). Height: 6'10. Weight: 236 lbs
  • Chris Webber (PF). Height: 6'9. Weight: 245 lbs

Notable PF Averages: Height: 6'8.5. Weight: 233.75

Conclusion

Compared to today's "average" Power Forward, Randle is just 1 inch shorter, about 10 lbs heaver, and about 2 inches shorter of a wingspan. Compared to past Power Forwards, Randle is slightly larger.

That means, technically, YES, Randle is "undersized" in today's PF class. Although, you can hardly consider it undersized.

Does that mean anything?

NO. As you can see, Randle's measurable actually match up favorably with some of the best power forwards of the last 25 years.

In the end, measurements aren't the deciding factor of a player's success. It comes down to talent, work ethic, and discipline. Randle has shown glimpses of each of those already - let's hope that development continues.