New York Knicks: Chasson Randle Is A Workhorse

Mar 6, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Knicks guard Chasson Randle (center) drives between Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (right) and guard Evan Fournier (left) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center.The Knicks won 113-105. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Knicks guard Chasson Randle (center) drives between Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (right) and guard Evan Fournier (left) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center.The Knicks won 113-105. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Chasson Randle has made an immediate impact with the New York Knicks. His NBA D-League head coach explained what it is that stands out about him.


It only took 26 minutes for Randle to revitalize the hype that he’s received since Summer League. The 24-year-old from Stanford University took an opportunity to play a significant role and turned it into a breakout performance with the New York Knicks.

On the heels of his standout showing in Orlando, it seems as though all attention has gone to diagnosing what it is that makes him such an intriguing player.

Randle traveled the long road to New York’s main roster. Since completing his tenure at Stanford, he’s won a championship in the Czech Republic, resurfaced with the Knicks’ Orlando Summer League team, suffered an orbital fracture during the 2016 preseason, and rehabilitated in the NBA D-League.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Westchester Knicks head coach Mike Miller, who coached Randle in the D-League, explained what it is that makes the point guard so intriguing.

"“What stands out is he’s a sharp guy,” Miller said. “He pays attention to detail, has a very good work ethic, very eager to learn. It didn’t matter what it was. He wanted to have a feel and understanding of what was happening. After a game, he’d watch film clips of plays he made or how it played out and get a chance to look at it. He wanted to see those things. You could see the next time out he made a different read. We saw him grow in the time he was here.”"

In other words: Randle is a workhorse who’s committed to being the best player that he possibly can be.

New York nearly lost Randle when he signed a three-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. After Philadelphia traded for Nerlens Noel, however, he became a roster casualty and the Knicks immediately pounced on the opportunity to make up for lost time.

Randle signed a two-year deal with the Knicks that will keep him under a non-guaranteed contract through 2017-18.

Though he’s only had one game of non-garbage time minutes with the Knicks, he’s already proving to be worth the wait.

In his Knicks debut, Randle spent two minutes on the court and immediately turned heads with his defense on an inbounds play. Five days later, he played 26 minutes against the Orlando Magic and was one of the catalysts for the Knicks’ 113-105 victory.

Randle finished with seven points, five assists, and five rebounds, and recorded a +/- of +27 during New York’s eight-point win.

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The New York Knicks need players who are committed to working towards victory. Thankfully, Chasson Randle is a workhorse.