New York Knicks: Who is going to be the team’s closer?

Who Should the New York Knicks’ closer? Option 3: Julius Randle

Julius Randle is third on this list, as he has not been the epitome of the clutch since arriving in New York.  Randle was struggling in the clutch as of last March, only shooting 38.6% from the field in the clutch.

Randle was getting the ball every time the Knicks tried to tie or win the game on the final possession.

The Knicks all-star led them in points, rebounds, assists and was 3rd in 3 point percentage (second if you only count players consistently in last year’s rotation).

I’m trying to say that Randle was carrying the Knicks last year, especially on offense.  Though RJ Barrett has shown flashes in the clutch, being 20 years old and not yet as good as Randle, so Randle gets top priority.

Randle was by far the most offensively skilled player, and the Knicks seemed allergic to late-game plays, so Randle was given the ball every time and had to figure the rest out himself.

The Knicks having more offensive talent should make them less predictable at the end of the game.  Obviously, it will help if they call more plays at the end of the game instead of “give it to Julius. He’s good.”

Randle should still be ready to get the ball in crunch-time situations, but his history in those situations is shaky enough to not be the first option at the end of the games.