Knicks: 4 Expectations for an improved Julius Randle in 2022-23

1. Julius needs to be physical for the Knicks

Physicality is something that the 2020-21 Knicks team embraced. Last season, they got away from that style of play, and so did Randle himself. The power forward is 6’8 and over 225 pounds. We’ve seen him get after it in the paint on some prolific defenders, and we need that exact Randle this season.

Two seasons ago, Randle bought into playing hard defense, and he showed the same defensive energy during this preseason. As crazy as it sounds, Randle is actually one of the league’s best defenders when he wants to be. Earlier in his career, we saw him lockup some of the game’s best, including Steph Curry.

Not only do we need to see physicality on the defensive side, but we need to see that same energy on the offensive side as well.

Every good team has a guy who isn’t afraid to get physical down low. As great as Mitch is, he doesn’t have many post moves. Randle, on the other hand, has shown his ability to be a beast down low. He needs to be able to set hard screens and finish with energy at the rim.

Not only will this help the Knicks on the court, but it will help them off the court. When younger players see a veteran such as Randle playing hard, they will play just as hard. He needs to be able to establish himself as a leader, and being physical is the perfect way to do that.

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