Anthony Randolph
Anthony Randolph (born July 15, 1989) is a German-born American former professional basketball player who also holds Slovenian citizenship. He retired in December 2024 after a career spanning the NBA and European leagues.[1][2] Standing at 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m) and playing primarily as a power forward, he was selected 14th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors after one season at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he averaged 15.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game as a freshman.[3] Over six NBA seasons with the Warriors, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets, Randolph appeared in 252 regular-season games, averaging 7.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.3% from the field.[1] His NBA tenure was marked by athletic promise but limited by injuries and role inconsistencies, leading him to Europe in 2014, where he found greater success; he joined Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar before signing with Real Madrid in 2016, contributing to two EuroLeague championships in 2018 and 2023.[2][4] Internationally, Randolph represented Slovenia after naturalizing in 2017, helping the team secure a gold medal at the FIBA EuroBasket that year alongside stars like Luka Dončić, and he later competed in the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.[5] Born in Würzburg, Germany, to American parents—his father was a U.S. Army sergeant—Randolph grew up in the United States, attending Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Texas, before his college stint at LSU.[3] He announced his retirement on December 13, 2024, at age 35, concluding a professional journey that included 168 EuroLeague appearances.[2]Early life and education
Birth and family
Anthony Randolph was born on July 15, 1989, in Würzburg, Germany, to American parents Anthony Sr. and Crystal Randolph, both of whom were serving in the U.S. military at the time.[6] The family relocated to Pasadena, California, shortly after his birth, where Randolph spent the majority of his early childhood.[6] As the oldest of three children, with a younger sister and brother, he grew up in a military family that emphasized structure and adaptability.[7] His parents' military service exposed him to an international environment from birth, and their heights—Anthony Sr. at 6 feet 4 inches and Crystal at 6 feet—contributed to Randolph's own physical development, reaching 6 feet 10 inches by his teenage years.[6]High school career
Anthony Randolph attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Texas, where he played basketball for the Wildcats from his freshman through senior years, concluding in 2007.[3][1] As a versatile forward capable of playing all five positions, Randolph emerged as a dominant player during his high school career, particularly in his senior season of 2006–07. He averaged 25.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game that year, showcasing his athleticism and scoring ability while leading the team in production.[3] Despite his individual excellence, the Woodrow Wilson Wildcats struggled as a team and failed to qualify for the playoffs in his final year.[8] Randolph's performance earned him first-team All-Area honors from the Dallas Morning News and first-team All-District 12-5A recognition, highlighting his impact in the competitive Dallas-area basketball scene.[3] His standout play, supported by his family's military background that emphasized discipline and resilience, positioned him as one of Texas's top prospects.[3] Regarded as a five-star recruit and ranked No. 15 nationally in the Class of 2007 by the Recruiting Services Consensus Index (RSCI), Randolph also received fourth-team Parade All-American honors.[9][10] He committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) in late 2006, choosing the Tigers over other elite programs including Kansas, Texas, and Memphis after official visits to several campuses.[11][12][13]College career
Anthony Randolph enrolled at Louisiana State University (LSU) as a highly touted recruit.[9] During his lone freshman season in 2007–2008, he played under head coach John Brady, who was relieved of his duties mid-season with interim coach Butch Pierre taking over for the final games.[14] [15] As a 6-foot-10 forward, Randolph started all 31 games for the Tigers, averaging 32.8 minutes per game while contributing significantly on both ends of the court.[9] [3] Randolph's statistical output highlighted his versatility and defensive prowess, as he averaged 15.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and a team-leading 2.3 blocks per game.[3] [9] His blocking ability ranked third in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and he led all conference freshmen in rebounds and blocks while finishing fifth in scoring among freshmen.[16] For his efforts, Randolph earned honorable mention All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and was a unanimous selection to the Coaches' SEC All-Freshman Team.[17] [15] He also garnered SEC Freshman of the Week accolades four times during the season.[18] Following the conclusion of the regular season and SEC Tournament, where LSU finished with a 13–18 overall record and did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament, Randolph declared for the 2008 NBA Draft on April 8, 2008, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.[14] [15] His decision came after a standout freshman campaign that showcased his athleticism and potential as a professional prospect.[15]Professional career
Golden State Warriors (2008–2010)
Anthony Randolph was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 2008 NBA Draft, coming off a promising freshman season at Louisiana State University where he averaged 15.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.[1] As a highly athletic 6-foot-10 power forward, Randolph entered the league with expectations of contributing immediately to a Warriors team rebuilding after a 37-45 record the previous season.[19] In his rookie season of 2008–09, Randolph appeared in 63 games, starting 22, and averaged 7.9 points and 5.8 rebounds in 17.9 minutes per game, showcasing his defensive potential with 1.2 blocks per game.[1] The Warriors finished 29–53 that year, hampered by multiple injuries in the rotation, which allowed Randolph to gain valuable experience but highlighted the team's overall instability. Randolph's sophomore campaign in 2009–10 was derailed by injuries, particularly a right ankle sprain in January that sidelined him for the remainder of the season after just 33 games. He averaged 11.6 points and 6.5 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game when healthy, demonstrating improved scoring efficiency but struggling with consistency amid the Warriors' coaching under Don Nelson, who led the team to a 26–56 record.[1] The season underscored Randolph's physical fragility, limiting his development in a franchise undergoing frequent roster changes. On July 8, 2010, Randolph was traded to the New York Knicks along with Kelenna Azubuike and Ronny Turiaf in a sign-and-trade deal that sent All-Star forward David Lee to the Warriors. This move marked the end of his brief tenure in Golden State, where he had shown flashes of potential as a versatile defender and rebounder but was ultimately overshadowed by team dysfunction and his own injury setbacks.New York Knicks (2010–2011)
On July 27, 2010, Anthony Randolph was traded from the Golden State Warriors to the New York Knicks as part of a sign-and-trade deal that sent unrestricted free agent David Lee to Golden State in exchange for Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike, Ronny Turiaf, and two future second-round draft picks. The move positioned Randolph on a Knicks roster featuring stars like Amar'e Stoudemire and a point guard duo of Raymond Felton and Chauncey Billups, but his integration was hampered from the start. During the 2010 preseason, Randolph sprained his left ankle on October 26, 2010, after stepping on a teammate's foot, causing him to miss the season-opening road trip and limiting his early availability.[20] Although he recovered sufficiently to debut on November 2, 2010, against the Toronto Raptors, head coach Mike D'Antoni rarely utilized him, citing concerns over his defensive consistency and fit in the team's up-tempo system.[21] In 17 games off the bench during the 2010–11 season, Randolph averaged 2.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks in 7.5 minutes per game, shooting 31.1% from the field.[1] Randolph's tenure ended abruptly on February 22, 2011, when he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with center Eddy Curry and $3 million in cash considerations in exchange for forward Corey Brewer, facilitating the Knicks' acquisition of Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets in a separate but interconnected three-team deal.[22] This transaction marked the conclusion of his brief, injury-interrupted stay in New York, where he failed to secure a meaningful role amid roster competition and coaching preferences.Minnesota Timberwolves (2011–2012)
On February 22, 2011, Anthony Randolph was acquired by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team trade involving the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets, with the Knicks sending Randolph, center Eddy Curry, a 2016 first-round draft pick, and cash considerations to Minnesota in exchange for forward Corey Brewer and a 2012 first-round pick.[23] This move came after a limited and injury-affected tenure with the Knicks, where he appeared in just 17 games.[1] During the remainder of the 2010–11 season, Randolph immediately saw an uptick in playing time and production with the Timberwolves, appearing in 23 games off the bench and in the starting lineup, where he averaged 11.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 20.1 minutes per game.[1] His athleticism and shot-blocking ability added depth to the frontcourt, particularly in transition plays. In the 2011–12 season, under new head coach Rick Adelman, Randolph continued to contribute as a versatile forward, playing in 34 games with five starts and averaging 7.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 15.2 minutes per game.[1] He showed defensive potential alongside All-Star power forward Kevin Love, highlighted by standout performances such as a career-high five blocks against the Nuggets on April 11, 2012, where he also scored 28 points.[24] Randolph's length and timing helped bolster Minnesota's interior defense during a rebuilding year. Following the conclusion of the 2011–12 season, Randolph became an unrestricted free agent and signed a three-year contract with the Denver Nuggets on July 20, 2012.[25]Denver Nuggets (2012–2014)
On July 20, 2012, following his stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Randolph signed a three-year, $5.25 million contract with the Denver Nuggets as an unrestricted free agent, joining the team to provide frontcourt depth off the bench.[26][25] In his first season with Denver during 2012–13, Randolph appeared in 39 games, primarily in a reserve role, averaging 3.7 points and 2.4 rebounds in 8.4 minutes per game while contributing energy and athleticism to the Nuggets' rotation amid their push for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.[1] The Nuggets qualified for the playoffs as the third seed in the West, facing the sixth-seeded Golden State Warriors in the first round, a series Denver ultimately lost 4–1. Randolph provided key bench contributions during the matchup, playing in all five games and averaging 5.2 points in 6.0 minutes per game, including notable dunks and hustle plays that helped energize the team in limited minutes.[1][27] His role highlighted his utility as a high-energy forward capable of stretching the floor and finishing above the rim, though his minutes remained modest behind starters like Kenneth Faried and Wilson Chandler. In the 2013–14 season, Randolph's playing time increased slightly to 12.3 minutes per game across 43 appearances, where he averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds, showing flashes of his athletic potential in spot starts and rotations affected by team injuries.[1] However, his season was disrupted by ailments, including an ankle sprain in January 2014 that sidelined him for multiple games and limited his consistency.[28] Over his two seasons in Denver, Randolph totaled 4.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game in 82 regular-season outings, serving as a reliable but underutilized bench option.[1] Randolph's time with the Nuggets concluded on June 26, 2014, when he was traded to the Chicago Bulls in a draft-night deal that also involved the exchange of lottery picks, including the No. 11 selection (Doug McDermott) to Chicago for the Nos. 16 and 19 picks (Jusuf Nurkic and Gary Harris) and future assets. This transaction effectively ended his NBA career, as he was quickly flipped to the Orlando Magic on July 14, 2014, and waived the following day without appearing in another league game.[29][30]Lokomotiv Kuban (2014–2016)
In August 2014, following the end of his NBA tenure, Anthony Randolph signed a two-year contract with the Russian club Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar.[31] During the 2014–15 season, Randolph adapted quickly to European play, averaging 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in the VTB United League while contributing significantly to Lokomotiv Kuban's strong campaign, which included a run to the EuroCup semifinals.[32][33] His athleticism and scoring ability around the rim proved valuable in the faster-paced international style, where he often served as a key frontcourt option alongside teammates like Malcolm Delaney and Derrick Brown. In the 2015–16 season, Randolph elevated his performance further, earning All-EuroLeague Second Team honors for his contributions in European competition, where Lokomotiv Kuban advanced to the Final Four.[34] He also received domestic league MVP honors in the VTB United League as Center of the Year, recognizing his dominant presence on both ends of the floor.[35] These accolades highlighted his growth into a versatile power forward capable of stretching the floor with improved three-point shooting and rim protection. After the conclusion of his contract at the end of the 2015–16 season, Randolph departed Lokomotiv Kuban to join Real Madrid.[36]Real Madrid (2016–2024)
In July 2016, Anthony Randolph signed a one-year contract with Real Madrid, featuring an NBA opt-out clause, marking his entry into one of Europe's premier basketball clubs following his successful stint in Russia.[37] He re-signed with the team in June 2017 and received a three-year extension in December 2019, securing his commitment through the 2022–23 season, with subsequent agreements extending his tenure until 2024.[38] During his eight seasons with Real Madrid, Randolph contributed to a dominant era, helping the club secure multiple major titles, including the EuroLeague championships in 2018 (where he played key roles in high-stakes playoff games) and 2023 (though limited by injury).[34] The team also won three ACB League titles in 2019, 2022, and 2024, along with Spanish Cup victories in 2020 and two Spanish Supercups in 2018 and 2020, amassing 12 total trophies under his watch.[39] Randolph's impact on the court was evident in his versatile forward play, building on his prior All-EuroLeague Second Team selection from the 2015–16 season to provide consistent scoring and rebounding for Real Madrid.[34] Over his EuroLeague career, which largely aligned with his Real Madrid years, he averaged 10.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 11.5 efficiency rating per game across 168 appearances, earning multiple Player of the Round honors, including in the 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2018–19 seasons.[40] His athleticism and shooting range helped anchor the frontcourt during title runs, such as the 2018 EuroLeague Final Four where Real Madrid defeated Fenerbahçe 85–80.[34] However, Randolph's later years were significantly hampered by recurring injuries, beginning with a fractured left Achilles tendon in December 2020 that sidelined him for nearly a year.[41] He returned briefly in the 2021–22 season but suffered a complete ACL rupture in his left knee in June 2022, limiting him to just one EuroLeague game the following year and restricting his overall play to 15–20 games per season from 2021 to 2023 due to ongoing knee complications.[42] In his final 2023–24 season, persistent injury issues confined him to 12 appearances, where he averaged 4.5 points per game, marking a sharp decline from his earlier contributions.[43] Randolph announced his retirement from professional basketball on December 13, 2024.[2]National team career
United States national team
Anthony Randolph represented the United States at the senior level during the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, where he appeared in four games for the team.[5] Averaging 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game while posting an efficiency rating of 17.8, Randolph contributed to the U.S. squad's bronze medal finish after a loss to Brazil in the semifinals and defeating the Dominican Republic in the bronze medal game.[5] This marked his sole documented appearance for a U.S. national team, occurring amid his professional commitments in Europe and prior to his naturalization for Slovenia.[5]Slovenian national team
Anthony Randolph acquired Slovenian citizenship in June 2017, enabling him to represent the senior Slovenian national basketball team.[44][45] He made his debut for the team later that year at the FIBA EuroBasket 2017 tournament.[5] Randolph played a key role in Slovenia's historic run to the gold medal at EuroBasket 2017, their first major international title.[34] Over nine games, he averaged 11.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, shooting 41.7% from three-point range, while providing versatile scoring and rebounding as a power forward alongside stars like Luka Dončić and Goran Dragić.[5][46] His contributions helped Slovenia defeat Serbia 93-85 in the final, capping an undefeated tournament performance.[45] Following the 2017 triumph, Randolph participated in the 2018 FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers, appearing in select matches for Slovenia, including a standout performance of 24 points and 12 rebounds against Turkey in September 2018.[47][48] However, recurring injuries, notably a severe Achilles tendon rupture in December 2020, limited his availability in subsequent cycles.[49] He missed the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket and did not feature in later World Cup qualifying windows, effectively stepping away from international duty before his overall retirement from basketball in December 2024.[50][49]Career statistics
NBA regular season
Anthony Randolph played 252 games over six NBA seasons from 2008 to 2014, averaging 7.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game while shooting 45.2% from the field in 15.2 minutes per game.[1] His career totals included 1,789 points, 1,088 rebounds, and 187 assists.[1] Randolph's most productive season came in 2009–10 with the Golden State Warriors, where he averaged 11.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in 33 appearances, starting 28 of them.[1] This marked his peak scoring output, during which he demonstrated athleticism and versatility as a forward, often contributing in transition and on the perimeter.[1] Following that season, Randolph's production declined due to a series of trades and injuries that limited his playing time and consistency.[21] Traded to the New York Knicks in a four-team deal for David Lee in July 2010, he appeared in just seven games before another trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves in December 2010.[1] Injuries, including an ankle issue in 2010 and subsequent setbacks, further hampered his opportunities, leading to reduced minutes across stints with the Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets after a 2011 trade.[51] By 2012–13 and 2013–14 with Denver, his scoring dropped to 3.7 and 4.8 points per game, respectively, as he transitioned from occasional starter to a bench role.[1] In advanced metrics, Randolph posted a career player efficiency rating (PER) of 16.3 and a true shooting percentage of 51.2%, reflecting solid efficiency despite inconsistent usage.[1] His role evolved from a promising rotational player and spot starter early in his career to a depth reserve later on, influenced by team needs and his physical challenges.[1]| Season | Team | G | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–09 | GSW | 63 | 17.9 | 7.9 | 5.8 | 0.8 | .462 |
| 2009–10 | GSW | 33 | 22.7 | 11.6 | 6.5 | 1.3 | .443 |
| 2010–11 | NYK/MIN | 40 | 14.8 | 7.6 | 4.0 | 0.8 | .466 |
| 2011–12 | MIN | 34 | 15.2 | 7.4 | 3.6 | 0.6 | .470 |
| 2012–13 | DEN | 39 | 8.4 | 3.7 | 2.4 | 0.3 | .491 |
| 2013–14 | DEN | 43 | 12.3 | 4.8 | 2.8 | 0.7 | .386 |
| Career | 252 | 15.2 | 7.1 | 4.3 | 0.7 | .452 |
NBA playoffs
Randolph's NBA playoff experience was limited to five games during the 2013 first-round series with the Denver Nuggets against the Golden State Warriors, a matchup the Nuggets lost 4–2.[1] In those appearances, he averaged 5.2 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.4 steals in 6.0 minutes per game off the bench.[1] His most notable contribution came in Game 2, where he scored 14 points on 5-of-6 field goal shooting in just 10 minutes, helping the Nuggets secure a 131–117 road win to even the series.[52] Randolph shot an efficient 81.8% from the field overall in the postseason on 11 attempts but did not play in Game 6 of the series.[52] He had no other NBA playoff appearances, as his prior teams—the New York Knicks in 2010–11 and Minnesota Timberwolves in 2011–12—missed the postseason, the Nuggets failed to qualify in 2013–14, and he was traded before subsequent opportunities.[1]EuroLeague
Anthony Randolph began his EuroLeague career in the 2015–16 season with Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar, where he emerged as one of the league's top performers. Averaging 14.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game over 23 appearances, he showcased his athleticism and versatility as a forward, earning selection to the All-EuroLeague Second Team.[4] His contributions helped Lokomotiv reach the playoffs, highlighted by standout performances such as 28 points in a Top 16 game against Herbalife Gran Canaria.[53] In the summer of 2016, Randolph joined Real Madrid, where he would spend the remainder of his European career and win two EuroLeague titles. During the 2016–17 season, his first with the club, he averaged 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds across 34 games, adapting to a contending roster while shooting efficiently from the field at 56.0% on two-pointers.[4] The following year, in 2017–18, Randolph played a key role in Real Madrid's championship run despite averaging 8.5 points and 3.9 rebounds over 20 regular-season and playoff games; his defensive presence and rebounding were crucial in the Final Four, where he set a record with 8 offensive rebounds in the semifinal victory over CSKA Moscow.[54] Real Madrid defeated Fenerbahçe Doğuş 85–80 in the final to claim the title.[34] Randolph's impact continued in subsequent seasons, with a peak scoring output of 13.7 points per game in the abbreviated 2019–20 campaign before injuries began to affect his availability.[4] He contributed to Real Madrid's second EuroLeague championship in 2023, appearing in limited minutes during the Final Four—including 6 points in 7 minutes off the bench in the final against Olympiacos—amid ongoing recovery from Achilles tendon surgery.[55][2] Over his entire EuroLeague tenure from 2015 to 2024, spanning 168 games with Real Madrid after his initial stint at Lokomotiv, Randolph accumulated 1,733 points and 710 rebounds, averaging 10.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game with a performance index rating of 11.5.[56][2] Injuries significantly impacted his later years, particularly from 2021 onward, limiting him to 13 games in 2021–22 (3.6 points per game) and just 1 appearance in 2022–23 before a brief return.[4] His final 2023–24 season saw him average 4.2 points and 3.5 rebounds in 11 games, often in short bursts due to persistent health issues.[57]| Season | Team | Games | PPG | RPG | APG | 2P% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | Lokomotiv Kuban | 23 | 14.5 | 6.0 | 1.2 | 49.3 | 25.3 |
| 2016–17 | Real Madrid | 34 | 10.2 | 5.1 | 1.1 | 56.0 | 36.7 |
| 2017–18 | Real Madrid | 21 | 8.2 | 3.8 | 1.2 | 54.5 | 31.1 |
| 2018–19 | Real Madrid | 33 | 12.5 | 4.3 | 0.9 | 55.3 | 41.4 |
| 2019–20 | Real Madrid | 19 | 13.7 | 4.3 | 0.4 | 53.1 | 49.1 |
| 2020–21 | Real Madrid | 13 | 9.3 | 3.6 | 0.8 | 52.2 | 37.3 |
| 2021–22 | Real Madrid | 13 | 3.6 | 2.5 | 0.2 | 57.9 | 26.3 |
| 2022–23 | Real Madrid | 1 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 |
| 2023–24 | Real Madrid | 11 | 4.2 | 3.5 | 0.4 | 42.0 | 30.0 |