Knicks: Julius Randle might finally be turning the corner

New York Knicks big man is already proving doubters wrong. 

Julius Randle has been off to a red-hot start throughout the New York Knicks‘ early regular season schedule and was a large factor in their surprising 20-point blowout of the mighty Milwaukee Bucks. Through six games he’s averaging 21.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game while posting a ridiculous 50-50-77 slash line.

While his three-point shooting clearly isn’t sustainable, there’s still a lot to be excited about. For once, Randle isn’t forcing shots nearly as much as he used to. So far, 52% of his made shots have come from assists. Last year, that number was just 48%.

Similarly, he’s also changed his shot selection to help increase his efficiency. Over the first three games, when he was playing at his best, just over 62% of his shot attempts had either come from the restricted area or from behind the three-point line. Last season? Only 58.8% of his shots came from those same two areas.

Randle has the ability to hit mid-range jump shots but he’s much more adept at finishing in the paint and using his physicality to get to the rim.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau has stressed the importance of corner threes and the 26-year old has certainly listened. Just over a third of his three-point attempts have been from the corners and it should help him keep his percentage up when they start to fall with regularity. He won’t keep shooting 50%, but there’s a good chance he’ll finish higher than the ghastly 27.7% mark he shot last year.

Another promising aspect of Randle’s early success has been the level of competition the Knicks have played against. The 76ers, Bucks, and Pacers were all playoff teams last year. Not only that, but they each employ shot-blocking menaces.

Joel Embiid, Myles Turner, and Brook Lopez all own career averages of at least 1.8 blocks per game. It’s also fair to mention that Julius Randle was directly matched up against reigning Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo for the majority of last Sunday’s contest.

His high shooting percentage and lofty scoring totals seem surprising, but he could just be returning to his New Orleans Pelicans days. In his lone season down south, Randle averaged 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 52% from the field.

His breakout campaign led to the Knicks snatching him up in free agency. It appears he’s finally starting to live up to his $60 million contract.

His passing has also been a welcome surprise. Similar to his three-point shooting, his 7.2 assists per game probably won’t last throughout the rest of the season. There’s still a lot to like about it, though.

On games when his offense isn’t working, he’s helping his team win on defense. Yes, on defense. Check out (below) the key plays he made in the most recent win against Indiana.

Last year he was often prone to turnovers, driving into the paint against multiple defenders before inevitably losing the ball. He’s been much better so far and has begun adding the drive-and-kick aspect to his game that almost all top passers utilize.

Throughout the offseason, Julius Randle’s name had been brought up in numerous trade possibilities. If he keeps playing at the elite level he’s currently at, the Knicks front office should heavily consider picking up his team option and bringing him back for another year.