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As we near the start of a new season of Knicks basketball, it’s a ripe time for previews, predictions and bold takes. Expectations for the franchise haven’t been this high in over a decade, and while it’ll take the full roster, coaching staff and front office to meet them, there’s one name who should be written in ink as the X-factor to the whole season.
That name is Julius Randle.
When Randle is on — like in his lone healthy playing month with OG Anunoby in January 2024 – he’s an All-NBA level player and one-man offensive force, averaging 24.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists on 47.9 percent shooting from the field and 36.9 percent from three in those 14 games. When he’s off, like in his past couple of postseasons, he’s a destructive blend of inefficient scoring and half-hearted defense who can let his emotions overcome him.
Beyond the pendulum of his individual performance, he’s also pivotal in the context of this Knicks team. After losing both their starter-level centers — one to free agency and one to injury — New York is lacking in secondary offensive options and frontcourt depth. And Randle, more than anybody, will need to step up to close the gaps.
Randle’s contract is also up after next season, with him having a player option for 2025-26 — raising the stakes for an already big-time year for all parties. It’s not hyperbole to suggest this Knicks season, and the decisions that could impact seasons to come, rest partly on Randle’s shoulders.
Whether fair or not, this is the reality going into the new season with a shorthanded roster, which Randle will have to help carry through a tough opening schedule coming off shoulder surgery. We saw him struggle a bit out of the gate last year after working through an ankle injury over the offseason, but bounce after the first seven games or so.
If we see a similar slow start, it’ll be on the Knicks staff and fans to have patience, and on Randle to adjust his game. His pound-the-rock style has created friction with New York’s success moving the ball around at times, so if his shot isn’t falling, it’s a prime opportunity to begin…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-julius-randle-knicks-x-143012170.html
Author : SNY
Publish date : 2024-09-25 14:30:12
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