Julius Randle brings more than scoring and veteran experience to the Brooklyn Nets. After helping revive the New York Knicks and making a deep playoff run with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 31-year-old forward now returns to New York with a new role: helping guide a young Nets team through its rebuild. For Randle, that means passing on lessons learned from one of the most influential figures of his career — Kobe Bryant.
Key Takeaways
- Kobe Bryant remains a major influence on Randle, who spent his first two NBA seasons with the Lakers.
- Randle is looking to share those lessons with a young Brooklyn Nets roster.
- Mikel Brown Jr. and Egor Dëmin have already caught Randle's attention with their talent and potential.
- The veteran forward arrives as Brooklyn continues a major rebuild after going 20-62 last season.
Randle Brings Kobe’s Influence to Brooklyn
Randle's NBA journey began with the Los Angeles Lakers, who selected him No. 7 overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. Those early years placed him alongside Kobe Bryant, giving the young forward an opportunity to learn directly from a five-time NBA champion.
Now, more than a decade later, Randle still carries those lessons with him. That experience is particularly relevant as Randle joins a Nets roster filled with young players still establishing themselves in the NBA.
“I had the best example you could have in Kobe,” Randle said, reflecting on his early years in Los Angeles.
Brooklyn went 20-62 last season and has entered a significant rebuilding phase after accumulating an NBA-record five first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Randle's experience gives the franchise a veteran who has already experienced the process of helping turn a struggling team into a playoff contender.
A Veteran Voice for Brooklyn’s Young Core
Randle has already begun getting familiar with Brooklyn's next generation. Among the players who have caught his attention are second-year guard Egor Dëmin and No. 6 overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. The young duo have impressed Randle with their willingness to learn, even if their lack of experience extends beyond the basketball court.
During a team golf outing in Dallas, Randle joked about the youngsters' unfamiliarity with the sport, recalling how Brown even broke a driver during one of the holes. The light-hearted moment offered a glimpse into the age gap between Randle and Brooklyn's young core. On the basketball court, however, Randle has seen plenty to like.
Randle Impressed by Brown and Dëmin
Randle has been particularly impressed by Brown's pick-and-roll reads, while Dëmin's athleticism and efficient shooting have also stood out. Dëmin's development in Spain has given him valuable experience before establishing himself in Brooklyn, while Brown enters the Nets as one of the franchise's most intriguing young prospects.
Both players have also shown an interest in Randle's connection to Bryant, regularly asking the veteran for stories and insights about the Lakers legend. For Randle, those conversations provide an opportunity to pass along lessons that have remained part of his own approach throughout his career.
‘The Biggest Thing I Can Do Is Pass It Along’
Randle's relationship with Bryant extended beyond simply playing alongside an NBA icon. The lessons he absorbed during his formative years have continued to influence how he approaches his career. He now sees an opportunity to give the next generation of Nets players some of the same guidance.
“It's the biggest blessing being around him and being able to carry those lessons into my daily life,” Randle said. “The biggest thing I can do is pass it along.”
That mentorship could become an important part of Randle's role in Brooklyn. While his production will remain central to what the Nets expect from their veteran forward, his experience of rebuilding in New York, reaching the playoffs and competing deep into the postseason gives him another way to contribute. For a young Nets roster still finding its identity, Randle's biggest impact may extend well beyond the box score.
