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NBA Rookie Rankings: Coming down the homestretch

ByBrett David Roberts|
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
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Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers, Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
Mar 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) drives past Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. The Lakers won 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

6. Julius Randle

Previous Rank: 4

Julius Randle boldly claimed over the offseason he would average double figures this season, in what has to be considered his true rookie year after sustaining injury in the season opener last year. Yes, he is technically not a rookie according to the NBA.

Randle is a rugged and tough power forward, and his season averages of 11.7 points and 10.1 rebounds attest to it.

Though Randle has shot just 43 percent from the floor this season, a lot of the poor shooting is a team epidemic. He can improve on that mark as his career goes on, and just his ability to put the ball on the floor makes him a playmaker  from that position — even if Randle’s best moves are all basically going left.

With this strong start to his career, he could be a double-double staple for the next decade.

Next: Fire it up, youngin'