Knicks: Projecting the 2021 starting lineup with LaMelo Ball as PG

Projecting the Knicks’ 2021 starting power forward: Julius Randle

I can hear the collective groans of Knicks fans as they reach this part of the lineup. However, with Julius Randle signed for $18.9 million next season, I don’t see them finding a team willing to take on his salary. Perhaps he could become an interesting trade piece during the season, since his 2021-22 salary is only partially guaranteed at $4 million, but during an upcoming offseason that will find teams short on cash, expect Randle to be back.

It will be interesting to see how a new coach tries to work Randle into the offense. Playing under interim coach Mike Miller, Randle was effective as a passer from the elbow. It was a nice way to space his game away from Mitchell Robinson in the paint. Knicks coaching candidate Tom Thibodeau used Joakim Noah in a role similar to this with Chicago.

Starting lineups are for fancy introductions and prestige, but what really matters is who is on the floor during key moments of the game. I could see the next Knicks coach staggering minutes with Randle playing the five next to Gallinari at the four, as well as Mitch at the five with Gallo at the four.