NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The New York Knicks took a gamble when they signed Julius Randle to a 3-year $64M deal back in 2019. While Randle had success with the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans, many wondered if he was ready for the big stage of Madison Square Garden and the Knicks. Randle had pretty much played the background in his previous stints, and now he was being signed to become the leader of a franchise in desperate need of one.
In his first season, Randle averaged 19.5 points and 9.7 rebounds while leading the Knicks to a 21-45 record. In his second year, Randle improved while earning his first All-Star nod while averaging 24.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. The Knicks would earn a playoff berth but go out in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks.
Despite his two solid seasons, the NYC media and the Knicks faithful came for blood. That’s the thing with the NY media, one minute they love you, and the next, they’re ready to replace you with a bigger name. But Randle was just setting the stage.
For the 2021-22 season, Randle saw a drop in production and the Knicks missed the playoffs after an impressive run the season before. On the year, Randle would average 20.1 points and 9.9 rebounds but as the team struggled, the Knicks fanbase turned sour on Randle. His name was being mentioned in trade rumors and even Randle grew frustrated with the Knicks faithful.
Julius Randle Is Best Player On The New York Knicks
After missing the playoffs, those bloodhounds came back out in droves and it was clear moves had to be made. A Donovan Mitchell trade was mentioned but who would the Knicks move in a deal? The Knicks decided on their core with a new dal for Mitchell Robinson and Barrett but also managed to snag Jalen Brunson in free agency. Once the season started, it was more of the same. The Knicks didn’t gel right away and struggled. But then it all just clicked. Not just the team’s chemistry, but something hit home for Randle and he took off.
On the year, Randle is averaging 25.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game to go with .468 shooting from the floor. But most importantly, the Knicks are winning and Randle is leading the way. Yes, Brunson has been tearing things up but Randle is the unofficial face of this Knicks team. And yet, some fans are still not sold.
What’s not to like? Does Julius Randle need to not try to be the hero every night? No, but at the same time, that’s what stars and leaders do. They take the big shot, hit or miss. They want the pressure no matter what. And for all the struggles that Randle has had while with the Knicks, he’s still here. He’s not in the media with trade demands. He’s not running from the press. He’s not at war with his coach or front office. All this man has done is make two All-Star appearances, put the Knicks on his back, and tried to get them back to prominence.
On any given night, he’s matched up against Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Draymond Green, or Pascal Siakam. His new 4-year $117M contract extension he signed in 2021 seems like a bargain now but it will tie him to the Knicks until the 2025-26 season when he will only be 31 years old.
The New York Knicks finally have a Big 3 of sorts and they’re being led by a player not even the Knicks envisioned would be their leader. Julius Randle is far from perfect and has nights where he looks to go one-on-five but this is the learning curve he’s dealing with in regard to being a leader. Playing in this market will always put a target on your back and not everyone is built for that. For every Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, or James Harden, there is a Julius Randle willing to stick it out.
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