Revisiting Julius Randle’s 2021-22 season and his journey back to Knicks stardom
By James Ryder
What has changed for Julius Randle?
This season, he can be seen constantly having fun. He is dominating opponents, playing unselfishly, and even playing in a bit of a reduced role by allowing Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett to share the spotlight. His defense isn’t always perfect with the occasional lapse of judgment or communication, but he’s showing much more effort and seeing positive results way more often. Randle actually hustles; he crashes the boards on both ends, goes after loose balls, and runs the floor no matter what team is leading the fast break.
And then there is his offensive production. Randle hasn’t just improved mentally by leading by example with hustle and unselfishness, he has improved mentally by being a smarter playmaker and shot taker. He has cut out taking long two-point jump shots (a staple of his All-NBA season) in favor of more shots at or near the rim and more three-pointers. His shot diet is much more efficient and therefore effective.
Randle now rarely holds onto the ball for too long. He is decisive in his moves, knowing what spot he wants to get to and what the right shot to take is. He doesn’t hesitate to shoot open three’s and he also doesn’t take a three at unnecessary moments like last year. Randle also turns over the ball less, in part due to better control and decision-making, but also because he is willing to let Brunson and Barrett take the ball up the floor and initiate offensive sets.
Finally, Randle is rarely displaying discontent toward his teammates, coaches, and the officials. There is very little sulking or pouting, he is way less reactionary and furious. He even meditates before each game. HE ACTUALLY MEDITATES! Randle has come to understand that he is someone who needs to control his emotions, and by leading each game with the right mindset he will play well and therefore continue to be in a good mood by reveling in his individual and team success.
In hindsight, maybe those of us who cast Randle aside were wrong to doubt that he can win us over again as he did two years ago. Granted, he had what felt like an infinitely long list of transgressions to make up for this time around, but he ultimately has done so.
In that article at the end of last season, I concluded by saying that I hoped Randle could replicate that comeback and at least give this organization and fanbase a respectful commitment to good basketball and good vibes. I also stated that I was rooting for him to do so because he is still a New York Knick and so it is my responsibility as the fan to do my part in supporting him. With the announcement that Randle will be representing me and the orange and blue at the All-Star Game in Utah this year, I’m happy to say that I did, and will continue to, root for him.
Randle’s Knicks journey is likely far from over. It is unlikely that any moments of smooth sailing or flying high ahead won’t be matched by bumps in the road. All that we can do about it is take the Randle route: work hard, keep our heads held high, and fight to see another satisfying day.
