New York Knicks: Julius Randle is here to stay

New York Knicks star forward Julius Randle is here to stay. The NBA’s 2020-2021’s Most Improved Player must be an essential part of the Knicks going forward. As of recently, Randle is starting to look to be regaining his confidence, which is translating to better play on the court. J

Julius Randle is showing why Knicks fans should want him on this team going forward.

New York Knicks: Julius Randle is playing at a high level

Julius Randle has been playing at a high level as of late. The New York Knicks have played four games since Julius Randle got into it with a reporter after he was told his name had been mentioned in trade rumors.

In those last four games Randle has averaged:

• 29.5 Points
• 6.3 Assists
• 12.0 Rebounds
• 48.3% FG
• 35% 3pFG

Randle has been making smart decisions with the basketball and playing great defense during the stretch as well.

If Randle can continue to extend this stretch of stellar play, the Knicks might have got their all-star back. Julius Randle’s struggles throughout the year have haltered the Knicks season so far. If Randle could somehow manage to turn things around, the Knicks as a whole might be able to do the same.

Julius Randle needs more help in order for his individual success, also for the team’s success. Julius Randle has brought up the basketball way too much this season and has been relied on to initiate the offense on almost every possession.

The amount of pressure on Julius Randle is unfair. His two best years were in the 2018-2019 season with Lonzo Ball as his point guard and last season with Elfrid Payton as his point guard. This year, the Knicks have experimented with Alec Burks and Immanuel Quickley at the point guard position frequently, and Kemba Walker who isn’t a pass-first point guard.

Julius Randle is at his best when he is with a true, pass-first point guard that can help take off some of the offensive load on Randle’s shoulders.

The New York Knicks Need Julius Randle

Some Knicks fans may not realize, but this team needs Julius Randle more than they may think. Earlier in the season when Julius Randle went down with COVID, the Knicks looked lost.

In the two games he missed, the Knicks were handed to blow out losses from the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Toronto Raptors. Without Julius Randle, the Knicks don’t have anyone capable of garnering the defensive attention that he does. Although young players such as RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson look promising, they aren’t ready to carry the Knicks’ offensive load.

Julius Randle was given a four-year contract extension in the 2021 offseason. The Knicks made a commitment to Randle, and need to make it work, rather than giving up after a bad first half of the season. The former all-star can help take this team to capture a championship with just a few more extra pieces to help in the future.

The future success of the NY Knicks involves Julius Randle.