Knicks: Julius Randle is playing how Carmelo Anthony should’ve played

1) Julius Randle’s Playmaking:

Julius Randle has been the conductor of the Knicks offense, showcasing his versatility as a passer. He has made plays on the break, from the post, and while driving to the basket. Averaging just under seven assists per game, Randle, according to Cleaning the Glass, also ranks within the 98th percentile in assists percentage. And if you look at the tape, it’s not too hard to see why.

The Knicks have not been a good transition team. However, when Randle leads the break, good things happen. Coach Tom Thibodeau has preached building winning habits, like knowing where you’re supposed to be on the court, and cutting when you don’t have the ball. Randle’s ability to find his teammates is only matched by the Knicks’ wings sprinting to their spots, ready to shoot.

Randle has also been a good facilitator when operating out of the high post. I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between how he holds the ball over his head (ala Melo) before making his move to the basket. But, instead of settling for several jab-steps and a contested mid-range jumper, Randle is letting the game come to him, making the easy pass. Now, in Melo’s defense, we all remember some of his teammates looking like statues on the perimeter while he did his thing. But the willingness to share the ball has been a constant for Randle this season.

The seven-year man out of Kentucky currently ranks 11th in the league in assists per game and seventh in total assists. And while Randle’s renaissance in dishing is not the only surprising part of his game this season, it might be the most important as the Knicks have played above expectations in December/January.