5. He Has Support
Chasson Randle isn’t just a Summer League standout whom New York Knicks fans have taken a liking to. Randle has the support of many within the organization, including two of the most significant members of the team.
One of the two individuals who has publicly voiced his support of Randle is franchise player Carmelo Anthony.
Carmelo on Chasson Randle: "I love him. I love. I just love his poise out there, the way he controls the game, controls the basketball."
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) October 9, 2016
It’s not just who’s saying this about Randle, but what they’re saying that matters.
Anthony and the starting lineup have fared well, but the Knicks need something more from the second unit. Having a guard who can complement Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings would be ideal, but adding a playmaker who has chemistry with the star would be even more beneficial.
According to Adam Zagoria of ZagsBlog.com, another member of the Knicks has publicly endorsed Randle: head coach Jeff Hornacek.
"Chasson, he’s done a great job for us. We hope all these guys get other jobs and other teams pick them up, but our hope is if he doesn’t go to another team he stays with our organization."
There aren’t many votes of confidence more significant than those by the star player and the head coach.
Anthony and Hornacek are on the same page about Randle being a valuable long-term member of the organization. Team president Phil Jackson may or may not agree, but the coach and the star are on the same page.
Adding Randle wouldn’t just help the back end of the rotation; it would give Hornacek a well-liked and supported player to give minutes and groom for the future.