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New York Knicks: Five conditions for NYK to make the playoffs

By Yash Shrivastava

New York CITY, NY - JUNE 21: New York Knicks welcome R.J. Barrett and Ignas Brazdeikis to the team and the city on June 21, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
New York CITY, NY - JUNE 21: New York Knicks welcome R.J. Barrett and Ignas Brazdeikis to the team and the city on June 21, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Julius Randle has an All-Star caliber season

The New York Knicks signed Julius Randle to a three-year, $63 million deal this summer following the 24-year-old’s career season with the Pelicans. Julius averaged 21.4 points per game and 8.7 rebounds on 52.4 percent shooting from the field.

With the limitations of a small market and the Anthony Davis saga in New Orleans, Randle’s stellar season flew under the radar. He was one of the most improved players in the league last season and proved to be an offensive juggernaut.

Randle poses an incredible threat as a big man with his ball-handling and his dominance down low. He is one of the best post scorers in the league and also has the ability to take his defender off the dribble.

However, some wonder if Randle was putting up empty stats with the Pelicans whose season was essentially down the drain because of Davis demanding a trade. Randle had himself a breakout year, but he has to prove himself once again this season.

New York lacks a true number one option and Randle is the best scorer on the Knicks as of now. A lot will be demanded of Julius to take charge and be New York’s leading scorer.

He has the potential to put up about 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, and for New York to compete for the playoffs, they will likely need Randle to put up these numbers nightly. He is joining a team with unproven scorers and young players, making him the Knicks’ best option on the offensive side.

Every playoff team is led by a talented player who is the reason the team is in that position. Julius has to be that player if New York wants a chance to crack a playoff berth.

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