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6 Biggest Knicks surprises of 2022-23 regular season

By James Ryder

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 05: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks high-fives Julius Randle #30 during overtime against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on March 05, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 05: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks high-fives Julius Randle #30 during overtime against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on March 05, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Julius Randle
Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Julius Randle’s Return

Just as sensational as Jalen Brunson’s ascension has been Julius Randle’s return to All-Star form. Not only was Randle selected to the All-Star game for the first time since 2020-21, but he has played even better this year than he did two seasons ago.

Let’s first look at baseline stats. Randle is averaging 25.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He is scoring more and grabbing more boards (more on that in a minute). His assists have dipped, but that was expected because Brunson has assumed a ton of responsibility as a lead ball-handler and as the main floor general. This may be the most impressive part of Randle’s return; he has excelled despite taking on a bit of a lesser role as an offensive engine for himself and his teammates.

Julius’ free throw shooting has declined, but his other percentages combined with his overall shot profile have been improved upon. Randle is shooting 46% from the field in part by attacking the rim more. His three-point percentage is worse than two years ago, down to 34.3% from 41.1%, but it is actually a good thing. This is because Randle has been taking more threes (8.3 APG) and trading that in for taking less long two-point jumpers. Many of his threes have even been off the dribble. He’s been such a good long-distance shooter that he is seventh in the NBA in three-pointers made.

Randle’s effective FG% for the year is 53.9%, up from 51.6% in 20-21. He has chosen to take more efficient shots and it has made him a more efficient player. To cap off this discussion about his stellar performance, Randle is the only player in the NBA (and has been for several months now) who is top five in total points and rebounds. In fact, he is on pace to be the only player EVER to accumulate these totals for the season:

And last but certainly not least, he just scored a new career-high 57 points, the third most points by a Knicks player ever. After last year’s nightmare, many fans hoped that Randle could rediscover his All-Star form if he was going to remain on this team. Thankfully, he has more than done just that.

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