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3 Knicks that should play more, 2 that should play less

By Josh Cornelissen

Mar 11, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (right) reacts with forward RJ Barrett (9) after a basket during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (right) reacts with forward RJ Barrett (9) after a basket during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks, Julius Randle
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 30: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks in action against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on November 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. Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New York Knicks 109-103. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Julius Randle should play less

It continues to be surprising, but Julius Randle has been really good for the New York Knicks over the past few seasons. He continues to lack a skillset to elevate in the playoffs, but he has drastically improved as a shooter and plays harder on defense for Tom Thibodeau than at any previous stop in his career.

With that being said, 35.5 minutes per game is likely too many for anyone in the modern NBA, given the strain it places on players having to cover the court at high speeds defensively. It’s a credit to Thibodeau that he didn’t play Randle more than that (Randle led the league in minutes per game in 2020-21) but with Obi Toppin now gone there could be a temptation to bump his minutes back up.

Randle will likely need to play more minutes in the playoffs, so conserving his body for the regular season makes the most sense. Randle’s defense is also the first thing to go when he is fatigued, and next is his shot selection; as with most players, when he gets tired he turns into a jumpshooter. Randle is at his best with full optionality, the threat of a shot balanced with the threat of a bowling-ball drive into the paint.

Randle at 33 minutes per game is probably at his best on both ends of the court, and helps the odds of a healthy Randle reaching the playoffs.

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