NY Knicks: Analyzing the preseason studs and duds

NY Knicks Preseason Stud #1 – Julius Randle

Prioritizing ball handlers and shooters in free agency this year certainly makes Julius Randle’s job a hell of a lot easier.

Both Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier’s veteran presence in the starting lineup have already helped open up the floor more than last year. No longer being double-teamed as often, Julius was able to create more freely in the half-court offense, and his stats back that up.

Over three games, Randle put up 23.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, shooting 49% from the field and 39% from three. He also turned the ball over less frequently, with just two a game compared to 3.4 over last year.

Yes, it’s a small sample size, but it was evident watching the three games Randle started that the offense just flows more naturally when there are three capable players in the starting lineup who can create for themselves.

Last year the offense frequently stagnated for prolonged stretches of games, which ended up putting more pressure on Julius to break the cold streak and force some bad shots. This year, I don’t see that happening quite as often, which in turn should lead to fewer turnovers and greater efficiency.

Julius looked like the capable all-star he is, shrugging off the playoff struggles from the Hawks series last year. With added offensive talent in Kemba and Fournier, as well as the ever-improving RJ Barrett, Randle should be much more efficient this year, that much was evident through three preseason games.

Oh yeah, he also hit this cold-blooded game-winner to beat the Wizards at the buzzer last week.

Not bad.