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Julius Randle must be part of the Knicks’ plans going forward

ByJames Nolan|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks in action against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 125-114. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks in action against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 125-114. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

The 2021-2022 NBA season didn’t go too well for New York Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle. Just a year ago, he led his squad to the postseason and shocked the basketball world. Randle managed to acquire the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award and even received some MVP votes for his stunning season.

In Randle’s second season in New York, he was truly magnificent. He was able to carry an unproven Knicks roster to a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference.

Unfortunately, the Knicks got a different type of Randle this past season. He couldn’t replicate what he did in the year prior and received much retaliation from the New York media and fans. A large chunk of New Yorkers don’t want to see Randle in a Knicks uniform next season.

Knicks fans should expect to see a bounce-back season from Julius Randle

The Knicks have the potential to be a force in the Eastern Conference. With RJ Barrett’s improvements and a couple offseason additions, this team could make some noise if they got into the postseason.

Randle isn’t a reliable first option on a contending basketball team in today’s NBA. He, along with the entire roster, needs more help. Ultimately, it seems as if he’s buying into the team-first mentality as he was seen training with his younger teammates recently.

New York’s offense was centered around Randle. The majority of the plays drawn up were for him and he even was tasked with facilitating the offense multiple times.

In Randle’s two best seasons, he had two true point guards in Elfrid Payton and Jrue Holiday. I’m not saying to bring back Payton, but bringing in a reliable point guard who can generate offense will help Randle improve his play.

This team has potential. Randle could be a focal point in this offense, especially as a second or third option. There have been rumblings since the last offseason about Jalen Brunson, who many believe could help this team significantly.

The front office could also package the 11th pick with something to bring in another player capable of generating the offense.

Randle can easily bounce back during the 2022-23 season. He’s shown the ability to knock down 3-point shots consistently, along with scoring in the paint. His defense could use some work, but we’ve seen videos of the former All-Star working hard during the offseason.

Randle is a good basketball player and certainly is capable of being a focal point on this team. If New York can bring in some help this summer, then fans should expect to see Randle get back to his old ways.

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