The 2021-22 NBA season was a big disappointment for Julius Randle of the New York Knicks. After earning a spot on the All-Star team, making second-team All-NBA and winning the Most Improved Player of the Year award during the 2020-21 season, Randle’s follow-up campaign left a lot to be desired.
Expecting him to replicate that level of success was likely asking too much, but the fashion in which his efficiency and level of performance dropped off was certainly concerning. He didn’t bring the same level of intensity and energy that we saw during his breakout campaign, which led to some disappointing performances last season.
Given how talented he is, there is certainly a chance that Randle can bounce back once again this upcoming season. His raw statistics were still impressive, as his averages of 20.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists were reached only by back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle & New York Knicks Updates
There is certainly something there for the coaching staff to work with. One NBA scout believes Randle can get back on track as the roster around him will be improved as well. Adding a bonafide starting point guard in Jalen Brunson will be a big help.
“Things should naturally come easier for Randle now that he has Brunson as his point guard, but that only goes so far. A big part of what made him so effective when he was All-NBA was his 3-point shooting. He could pull up or make you pay off the catch. … He’s too big and strong to be settling for all of these tough shots he takes out of iso’s at the elbow. He needs to get back to the basics and use his strengths to his advantage. Teams play smaller and smaller lineups every year. He has to be a bully on his touches but make basic plays off the ball.”
While the rest of the NBA goes small, that is something Tom Thibodeau has been hesitant to do. He almost always has a player that would be categorized as a traditional center on the floor, someone occupying the dunk spot and acting as a rim protector on defense. That certainly impacts Randle’s usage on offense because almost all times, there is another player near the rim.
If he were to adjust that and play a more perimeter-orientated brand of basketball, which could be possible with the addition of Isaiah Hartenstein to the second unit, Randle would have more room to operate near the rim. Bully ball is something he should embrace as there aren’t many players that can match his combination of strength and athleticism.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle & New York Knicks Updates
But, his effort level needs to get back to where it was two seasons ago. As long as you are giving it your all the fans will get behind you. Randle’s lackadaisical play at times last season drew the ire of many people and he got into a bit of a back and forth with the fans at times.
“The lack of energy Randle played with defensively was tough to watch last year. He is supposed to be the leader. He sets the tone. If he’s not closing out on a shooter, not sliding his feet to contain, and not getting back on defense, what kind of message does that send?”
Randle will once again have a lot to prove this season. The Knicks committed long-term to RJ Barrett this offseason and things should transition into this becoming his team. If Randle gets behind that and plays as hard as he did during the 2020-21 season, the team should be competitive.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle & New York Knicks Updates
If we get the 2021-22 version of Randle, things could get ugly quickly. His name has been mentioned in some trade rumors and another season like that very well may lead to the Knicks doing everything they can to move on from him.
