Preparation was key for Orlando Magic’s Chasson Randle and his success back on the court

June 17, 2021

By Madisen Carter

Stanford’s all-time leading scorer, Chasson Randle, is always prepared, even during a pandemic. With plenty of experience under his belt including a 2018 EuroLeague Championship and a career history with four NBA teams, he found himself as a free agent at the start of quarantine in March 2020. 

In that time of uncertainty for everyone during the pandemic, Randle said he was locked into working on his craft. Randle spent his time in the Bay Area, working out two to three times a day, six days a week, making sure he was prepared as possible for any opportunities coming his way. 

“It was a tough time and we all had to adjust,” Randle said. “Looking back at it, I'm grateful for sure because I got to spend so much more time working on my body and working on my game.” 

With his hard work and dedication to the game and becoming better everyday, Randle joined the Oklahoma City Thunder’s G-League affiliate at the end of January 2021, with their four-week season starting at the beginning of February. 

During his time with the OKC Blue, Randle had a total of 40 points, shooting 15-27 from the field and 6-16 from beyond the arc in the two games he played.

Shortly after his debut with the Blue on February 11th, he signed a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic on February 15th. Randle said his adjustments focused on learning the new plays and system during his one practice before suiting up and playing against the New York Knicks on February 17th. 

“I was just super excited, just having the opportunity to step back on an NBA floor again. It was the moment that all those hours of work and manifesting during quarantine had done,” Randle said. “I feel like I was prepared once I got there.” 

During the 2020-21 season with Orlando, Randle appeared in 41 games. He averaged 6.5 points per game, shooting 38.8% from the field and 33.8% from behind the arc. 

His best game of the season was on May 3rd against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. He came off the bench with 18 points, shooting 60% from the field and over 60% behind the arc in the 30 minutes that he played. 

Randle said that he enjoyed his season with Orlando. He explained how great his teammates were, and how much he enjoyed working with the coaching staff, including assistant coach Steve Hetzel. He said they worked on his pick and roll, his pace and his setups. 

“Steve Hetzel was like my man, I love him to death. He’s a big reason for my success this season and having the games that I did, so I'm thankful for him,” Randle said. “He instilled a lot of confidence in me and let me know where my shots would be coming from and where to be ready, and it was great.” 

Randle finished his season with the Magic with a total of 266 points, 82 rebounds, 74 assists and 22 steals. 

Randle said that he had an overall great experience in Orlando. He said that the weather was great all year round, the people there were really nice, he found restaurants he enjoyed and he was able to visit Disney World for the first time. 

With the time he spent with the Magic, Randle said the main thing he took away from the season was that he always needs to be in tip-top shape and ready to go.

Now that the season is over, Randle is a free agent starting August 6th. Randle said he has been in the gym since the beginning of June preparing himself for the upcoming season, getting his body in shape and his mind back in the mode.   

“I’m a ‘no rest for the weary’ type of guy,” Randle said. “I’m excited for the work I’ve been putting in, and the things that I have already been able to see improvement on in my game. I’m excited for this upcoming season.”