4. Julius Randle
New York Knicks fans couldn’t wait to see Julius Randle pack his bags after his first season in orange and blue. In his second season, however, they are singing a different tune as Randle has done a complete 180.
Julius Randle has turned into a legitimate All-Star candidate in his second season with the Knicks. He is averaging 22.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game, all of which are in the top 26 of the NBA. He is shooting a career-high from 3-point range and the foul line as the coaching staff is getting him into advantageous spots and he is taking full advantage.
New York has put a lot on Julius Randle’s plate thus far this season and he has responded. Now, with Mitchell Robinson sidelined, they may ask even more of their potential All-Star.
Tom Thibodeau is going to have to steal some minutes somewhere at the center spot. Those minutes could go to Julius Randle in some small-ball looks with floor spacers. Randle has some experience playing center, as 36 percent of his minutes with the Los Angeles Lakers and 26 percent of his minutes with the New Orleans Pelicans came at the five.
There are some advantages to using Julius Randle at the five. Opposing centers will find difficulties defending him on the perimeter, where he has become supremely confident this season. Surrounded by shooters, he could wreak havoc attacking the basket and finding the open man on the perimeter.
While there could be some issues defensively, as Julius Randle isn’t much of a presence as a rim protector, the team’s offensive could flourish with him manning the middle. It is something Thibodeau and his staff may look to experiment with in the coming weeks.
