NY Knicks: Julius Randle deserved a Team USA Spot over these Players
By Allen Settle
The 2021 Team USA Olympic roster appears to be set., and the NY Knicks don’t have a player on the initial roster. Aside from the upcoming NBA Finals, the Olympics in Tokyo represent the biggest basketball storyline in the world.
The team, headlined by superstars Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal, Jason Tatum, and Devin Booker, looks poised to contend for yet another gold medal. Even without stars like Steph Curry, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and James Harden, one would be hard-pressed to find a more talented group of stars.
However, the back end of the depth chart raises several interesting concerns and questions. This is particularly true when one considers that a player like Knicks’ star Julius Randle was available.
NY Knicks: The case for Randle on the Olympic roster
Randle, who was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player last season, averaged a stellar 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 6 assists, on 46% shooting from the field and 41% from three. He raised his game to a completely new level during the regular season. He also emerged as the clear on-court leader of a team that earned home-court advantage in the postseason.
The former #7 overall pick displayed an extremely well-rounded game, that would fit well on any roster. He has the strength to rebound, drive, and post up, as well as the shooting ability to space the floor well.
He would have been a great asset for Team USA.