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Knicks: Who would you rather — Julius Randle or Kristaps Porzingis?

By Brad Dressler

Julius Randle, Kristaps Porzingis, NY Knicks. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Julius Randle, Kristaps Porzingis, NY Knicks. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – JANUARY 22: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs has his shot blocked by Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks at AT&T Center on January 22, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – JANUARY 22: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs has his shot blocked by Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks at AT&T Center on January 22, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis or Julius Randle — Defense

Both players aren’t exactly known for their defensive prowess but up until this season, some Knicks fans have made the joke that Julius’s last name is actually spelled Ran’le, as in there’s no “D” in the man’s name, nor his game.

Porzingis on the other hand is well-known for his protection of the rim. For his career, he’s averaging 2 blocks per game and a season-high average of 2.4 per game back with the Knicks in his first and only all-star season. Although I did mention that Porzingis isn’t exactly known for his defense, he’s gotten much better under defensive mastermind Rock Carlisle. In fact, “KP” was in consideration for Defensive Player of the Year last season before the season was cut short due to the pandemic. At one point last season, Porzingis’ opponents were shooting just 49% at the rim, which was second-best in the NBA among players with at least 50 rim attacks defended. He trailed only Hassan Whiteside at the time.

Back when Julius Randle was on the Lakers he was considered a plus defender. On the Pelicans and Knicks, his defense pretty much went out the window. He gives little effort at the rim compared to most big men and averages just 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks per game for his career. He has done a bit better this year so far defending on the ball and has shown much improvement when switching during opponent’s pick and rolls.

All in all, Julius Randle is becoming more of an offensively dominant player now and that’s where the bulk of his energy is spent. Porzingis pretty much does it all on both sides of the court.

Julius Randle — C
Kristaps Porzingis — B+

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