Julius Randle’s mental approach could change everything for Knicks this season
After what was a failed season for the New York Knicks in 2021-22, the hope is that 2022-23 will bring more wins and a play-in tournament spot at the very least. New York boosted its projected win total by signing Jalen Brunson in free agency, but there have been numerous questions about one player in particular — Julius Randle.
The 27-year-old went on a tear in 2020-21 by earning his first All-Star honor, being named the NBA’s MIP, and leading the Knicks back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2012-13 season. This past season, New York was supposed to build off of that success, but instead, the opposite happened. A large part of that had to do with Randle, who was far from the player that he was the year before.
The four-year, $117 million extension that he signed last summer kicks in this season, but that didn’t stop fans from wishing for a Randle trade throughout the offseason, but entering the new season, he’s in the Knicks’ plans for the future.
At Media Day on Monday, Randle’s spirits were high. He was smiling and joking around, which was a stark contrast from last season. After a year with more downs than ups, Randle’s reportedly ready to learn from the rough patches that he went through last year.
Julius Randle’s outlook on the Knicks’ 2022-23 season could change everything for him
Playing in New York comes with plenty of challenges, and while RJ Barrett has embraced what playing in a large market entails, fans saw Randle succumb to the pressure. His thumbs-down gesture and “shut the f*** up” response to fans at Madison Square Garden were proof that his frustrations got the best of him.
That’s now in the past, although Randle shouldn’t expect to be welcomed back to MSG with cheers. However, the forward appears to have come to terms with that.
In Leon Rose’s pre-taped interview with MSG Network’s Alan Hahn, he said that Randle’s in “phenomenal shape and in a great space.” Randle’s smile on Monday proved that.
It’s difficult to envision Randle returning to the player that he was in 2020-21, but after a long year, he seems to be back on track. This may not be the best news for Obi Toppin, who’s had to play behind Randle since he was drafted in 2020. Toppin’s proven that he deserves more playing time, which is key to his continued development, but Randle and Tom Thibodeau’s mindset will likely continue to hold Toppin back.
For now, Randle’s going to continue to start at the four for the Knicks, and based on what we’ve seen and heard from him, he could be in for a solid season. He’ll have to prove it on the court first, though, and it’ll all begin on Oct. 19 in Memphis.
