The team currently sits 23-27, 12th in the Eastern Conference and 1.5 games out of the play-in tournament. Yet, the real story of the article was what we discussed above: how much Randle’s regression could literally be hurting the Knicks. It’s certainly worth discussing, particularly since the Kings play New York at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. Should Julius Randle be traded?Īll this to say, the reason for Berman’s article in the first place was speculating a potential trade involving Randle and Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox. This is a big, big problem for the New York Knicks. This year, his 0.9 VORP translates to a 2.4 WAR and we’re already past the season’s midway point. That translates to an absolutely incredible 10.5 WAR. VORP is basketball’s version of baseball’s WAR, and Randle had a 3.9 VORP last year. Julius Randle may technically still be in drive, but anyone who’s watched the Knicks this year can see he’s fully shifted to cruise control.Ĭonsider this. Today, Randle’s scoring, rebounding, passing, and percentages are all down across the board while the turnovers have held steady. Even with all the turnovers, Randle was all gas and no brakes, a V-8 engine that just wouldn’t quit. This is the man whose motor literally carried the New York Knicks last season. In a recent home game, he spent a timeout chatting with his wife instead of in the huddle with the team. He isn’t helping teammates up when they’ve hit the floor, and the video shows it. Evan Fournier’s ball dominance takes away touches from Randle.īut be that as it may, Berman has implied something none of us want to face: Julius Randle got paid and then got lazy. Kemba Walker isn’t a great fit at point guard. After last year’s shortened season and almost miraculous run, the New York Knicks were tired. Julius Randle has checked outįor most of the season, we tried to pin Randle’s struggles on a laundry list of reasons. Smith route post-2013: paid, complacent, and just going through the motions.Īnd with a recent report from Marc Berman of The New York Post, Randle’s New York rebirth could be over just as quickly as it began. Instead of continuing his new superstar run, he has instead gone the J.R. Even worse yet, Randle signed a $117 million extension in the offseason. Not even a full year later, and last year’s glorious rebirth is proving to be a tease worse than the 2012-13 aftermath. And, let’s be honest, he probably should have received more MVP consideration. The man operated with T-1000 efficiency en route to being named the NBA’s Most Improved Player. Last season, his breakout year saw him excel in every category. It wasn’t supposed to be this way when the New York Knicks re-signed Julius Randle. Julius Randle has gone from New York Knicks’ savior to their latest slog.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |