Knicks: GM Scott Perry might not be done in New York

Scott Perry saw what most others didn’t when the Knicks decided to make Julius Randle their star-attraction in the Big Apple

What a difference a year makes. Julius Randle went from the franchise scapegoat to the unquestionable leader of the team in one season. Scott Perry signed Randle in the summer of 2019 to a three-year $63 million deal, with the third year as a team option. Randle’s All-Star campaign has made his contract extremely valuable and there’s been talk amongst Knicks fans of signing him to an extension.

Prior to the start of the season, head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Randle for his conditioning. Randle, himself, has stated that he worked extremely hard during the offseason with long-time trainer/friend Tyler Relph. Relph, in various interviews, has talked extensively regarding the type of work Randle has put in on his shooting, handle, footwork, and defense. And that work is paying off.

Randle is averaging 22.4 points per game, 11.1 rebounds per game, and 5.8 assists per game at the time this is being written. His playmaking and defense have been stellar this season, and  According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Randle is just the fifth player in NBA history to total at least 550 points, 275 rebounds, and 145 assists over the team’s first 25 games. And if you needed more evidence to support Randle’s greatness, he’s one of four players averaging at least 20 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and five assists per game. The other three players include Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Domantas Sabonis.