NY Knicks Player Goals: The forwards
Julius Randle: Show more of All-NBA Randle
So far in the month of February, Randle has looked like the player we all miss from last season. He is averaging 28.1 points, 12.4 boards, and 6.6 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field across his last 8 games.
He has been efficient and unselfish while playing hard and with hustle. Basically, he’s been everything he wasn’t in the first 51 games.
The Knicks need Randle to be a decisive and focused player if he is going to help the franchise, and himself, be respected by media, opponents, and fans alike now and in seasons to come.
Evan Fournier: Continue to mesh well
Despite a lack of overall offensive consistency, Fournier has been a very good three-point shooter this season.
His prowess in dribble hand-offs and on catch and shoot 3’s has been a saving grace for the team on several occasions.
Clearly, he needed time to adjust to a smaller, off-ball-oriented role. To repair his reputation and remain in New York, he just needs to keep improving in his role and get back to being an efficient player.
Obi Toppin: Keep his head up
Toppin has always been a player who needs to play with confidence to play well.
It’s great I guess to hear he trusts his coach and the organization, and it’s very encouraging that Thibodeau robbing him of minutes daily isn’t stopping him from being a big spark off the bench.
Whether the coach finally sees the light or gets canned, Toppin needs to press on and do what he’s doing; be professional and electric.
Quentin Grimes: Keep Going
Grimes’ motor in practice has paid off. Both his work ethic and his stat lines have helped him gain the trust of his head coach and the admiration of Knicks fans.
So what’s next? To “Keep Going” of course, after all, that is the motto and name of his business group.
There is nothing teams and fans love more than players who never quit. Grimes just needs to stay hungry.
And hitting more bombs with that sweet stroke isn’t a bad goal either.
Cam Reddish: Be patient
With Derrick Rose and Barrett about to return from injury, Reddish may see his opportunities shrink once again for the time being.
This can’t remain the case forever, though, as it’s hard to see the front office allowing Reddish to build up dust on the bench.
Come next season, Reddish should find a bigger role. For now, he needs to utilize his minutes as best as possible by letting the game come to him.
In doing so, he can prove that he is a team player and gain Thib’s trust, rather than forcing shots and trying to become a star overnight.