Former lottery pick Anthony Randolph signs in Russia

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At some point in the past six years, you've talked yourself into Anthony Randolph. You can't deny it, and there's no sense fighting it, because every single basketball fan has looked at this athletic 6-foot-10 package and wondered "what if."

But after stints with four teams in six seasons, the No. 14 pick in the 2008 draft is for the NBA no longer, with teams apparently done trying to draw production out of potential. On Monday, Lokomotiv Kuban of the Russian VTB United League announced they have signed the 25-year-old Randolph to a one-year deal with a team option for a second year.

"I will try to be a successful player and get better every day, doing my best to help our team be better than their opponents in the Eurocup and the VTB League," Randolph said in the release. "I understand that I joined an ambitious, hard-working team and working together will help us win championships."

Originally selected by the Golden State Warriors, Randolph was sent to the New York Knicks as part of the David Lee trade, then to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the three-team Carmelo Anthony trade. He signed with Denver in 2012 and was then sent to Chicago in a draft-day trade involving Doug McDermott, and then to the Orlando Magic, who accepted two second-round picks just to waive him and save the Bulls some money.

The ending may seem unceremonious, but it's not like he earned much more after multiple opportunities. Peaking with averages of 11.6 points and 6.5 rebounds in 2009-10, Randolph was largely inconsistent on offense and never turned his shot-blocking talent into quality defense. In 252 career games, he averaged 7.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 15.2 minutes.

Maybe he'll put it together in Russia, but probably not.

[Dap EOB]