Near the end of the New York Knicks’ second-round loss to the Miami Heat, it was clear that NBA forward Julius Randle wasn’t playing basketball. Fans were quick to call his performance another example of his inability to play at a high level in the postseason.
But it was later reported that the Kentucky product was playing through an injury to his left ankle that had festered prior to the first round of the NBA playoffs. He recently had successful surgery, and is ready to return to action with the start of the regular season.
Given his poor performance against Miami, a number of Knicks fans have been willing to move on from Randle this offseason and are looking to trade him as part of a larger package that could include a star player to pair with Jalen Bronson.
It’s easy to discredit Randle based solely on his baseline, but one must remember that had it not been for him in the regular season, New York would not have been in the playoff picture. In addition to receiving the aforementioned All-NBA nod, Randle also made his second All-Star appearance, leading the Knicks in points and minutes per game.
His game is not perfect. He goes through extreme stretches where he seems unstoppable, and other times when his body language and performance on the court just don’t match what one would expect from a superstar.
The key to understanding Randel’s importance to the Knicks is embracing the fact that he is not a “superstar.” After the 2020-21 season, it was clear that Randle needed help. Considered a quality forward during the 72-game regular season, his playing style at the time was based on favorable isolation encounters. His play improved once Bronson arrived last season, and it’s fair to say that another piece will allow Randle to play more productive basketball in the postseason.
Furthermore, while fans and analysts have also caught on to Randle’s body language and erratic behavior, it’s important to note that anger can (and will) flare up throughout an 82-game season. Combine this with the fact that the Knicks play in one of the largest media markets in the world, and you have a recipe for some flawless moments. In his final appearance on Paul Geroge’s “podcast pRandel stated that the Big Apple environment helped him grow, even while it was particularly challenging for him and his family.
Honestly, I love him. [New York City] It made me the player I am today. Randall said. “It all depends on how we look at it. It’s been hard on some people, it’s been hard on me, it’s been hard on my family.”
Through the ups and downs, it is quite possible that he will be one of the most influential leaders in the dressing room next season. Unless the return is an All-Star caliber talent, the Knicks shouldn’t be dealing with Randle. Its production is a valuable asset that will only be enhanced by more additions to the roster. As for the impact he has had and can continue on the team’s culture, it would be foolish to assume that the past three years have not had a positive impact on Randle.
Who better to help lead the charge than someone who has been the scapegoat and savior? Perhaps more than anyone else, Julius Randle understands that building a winning culture in New York is not an operation for the faint of heart.
- Posted on 06/23/2023 at 19:00 PM
- Last updated on 06/23/2023 at 16:38 PM