Randle

Julius Randle Deserves His Credit, for Now

1 0
Read Time:2 Minute, 15 Second

The New York Knicks are having their best season in at least a decade, and this doesn’t appear to be the mirage those Carmelo Anthony teams were. Tom Thibodeau once again shows that while he may have his flaws as a coach, he will always have a competitive team. Jalen Brunson is arguably the best off-season move, and R.J. Barrett continues his ascension in this league. Once again, Julius Randle answers doubters, and his play can’t be ignored.

Following Randle and the Knicks impressive 2021 run, which saw an All NBA Second team honor as well as winning the Most Improved Player Award, a disappointing playoff series from Randle and a reset year in 2022 have left doubts about Randle again. Instead of shrinking and reverting back to the old Knicks, Randle and the organization have come out with something to prove in 2023.

The Knicks are 42-31, good enough for fifth in the East, and looking likely for a competitive (and winnable) series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Randle is putting up over 25 and 10 a night while shooting 46% from the field and just under 35% from the three-point line, as well as having a few clutch moments throughout the season. Randle has also played all 73 games so far.

Randle and the Knicks had a bad taste in their mouth following a disappointing first-round exit to the Hawks in 2021. The questions about whether or not Randle could be the number one on a championship-level team seemed to be decided he could not, and the Knicks (and Julius) did not respond well last season. There was a noticeable dip in performance.

Randle did not play well in those playoffs and that was the first time he experienced playoff-level basketball being the main focus of an opposing defense. Another poor playoff will not look good for him, but this is a much-improved team overall than the more of the ‘Little Engine That Could’ team of 2021.

Randle is again in a position to qualify for at least one of the three All-NBA teams. He does play forward, and many of the best players in the league are frontcourt players, but don’t be surprised if he is honored for his play once again.

With a solid postseason performance from Julius and the Knicks, and at the minimum of a first-round series victory that’s certainly obtainable, Randle can continue to answer his doubters, and this long-suffering organization can show there is hope that things are turning for the better. This is the most important postseason for the Knicks in a long time, and questions need to be answered.

Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %

Average Rating

5 Star
0%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *