Julius Randle: The Underrated Star Powering the New York Knicks’ Success
In a league dominated by stars and elite performances, Julius Randle continues to fly under the radar, often overlooked despite his undeniable contributions to the New York Knicks. With three All-Star appearances and two All-NBA selections under his belt, Randle is a versatile forward who has excelled in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. Yet, the criticism and skepticism from fans and analysts remain persistent, leaving many to wonder whether he is being undervalued. Is Julius Randle truly one of the most underrated players in the NBA? Let’s explore the impact he has had on the Knicks and why he remains crucial to their success.
The Essential Yet Overlooked Randle
While the New York Knicks have garnered attention for their resurgence, much of the spotlight has fallen on Jalen Brunson. Rightfully so—Brunson’s leadership, scoring prowess, and ability to take control of games have been instrumental in pushing the Knicks back into the playoff picture. However, Julius Randle’s contributions should not be discounted, as his versatile skill set provides crucial balance to the team’s offense.
Despite missing part of last season due to injury, Randle’s importance to the Knicks remains clear. He is an efficient scorer, an effective rebounder, and an adept playmaker. His partnership with Brunson has also proven effective, as their complementary skills enable both to maximize their potential on the court. While Brunson may have shone brighter in the playoffs, Randle was just as impactful during the regular season. Before his injury, Randle was averaging 26.3 points, nine rebounds, and nearly five assists per game with an impressive 61% true shooting percentage.
Randle’s importance to the Knicks’ offensive flow is undeniable, but his contributions extend beyond just scoring. He creates opportunities for teammates, consistently making smart passes that lead to open shots, particularly in high-pressure situations. Last season, the Knicks saw a significant uptick in performance when Randle was paired with OG Anunoby, whom the team acquired from the Toronto Raptors. Together, they helped the Knicks outscore opponents by 24.6 points per 100 possessions—a stat that underscores just how pivotal Randle’s presence was in ensuring the team’s success.
An Evolving Role with New Additions
The Knicks’ front office has been busy in recent seasons, bringing in key players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. Randle, who once found himself chasing the league’s top wings such as Jaylen Brown and Kevin Durant, now benefits from teammates who can shoulder the defensive burden. With Anunoby and Bridges handling those tough assignments, Randle is free to focus on his strengths, both on offense and defense.
This shift allows Randle to play a more comfortable role, thriving in a system that emphasizes spacing and fluidity. Offensively, he now enjoys more room to operate, allowing him to be an even more effective scorer and playmaker. His ability to pass out of the post and create open looks for perimeter shooters has been a crucial element of the Knicks’ offense. In fact, Randle ranks among the league’s top big men in terms of passing, frequently assisting on corner threes—a highly efficient shot in modern basketball.
The addition of players like Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo has also helped unlock Randle’s playmaking abilities. Hart and Bridges are elite cutters, while Brunson is one of the NBA’s most accurate spot-up shooters. Randle’s high basketball IQ and passing vision allow him to exploit these off-ball movements, setting up his teammates for open shots and easy baskets.
Randle’s Uncertain Future with the Knicks
Despite his significant contributions to the Knicks’ success, Julius Randle’s future with the team remains in question as he enters the final year of his contract. At one point, Randle was viewed as a co-leader alongside Jalen Brunson, but the influx of Villanova connections (Brunson, Hart, DiVincenzo, and possibly Bridges) has somewhat pushed Randle to the sidelines. It’s no secret that players often develop strong bonds with their former college teammates, and that dynamic seems to be playing out in New York.
Some have even speculated that the Knicks may not need Randle, citing Brunson’s exceptional play in last year’s playoffs when Randle was sidelined. During that stretch, Brunson’s usage rate skyrocketed, and he averaged an astounding 31.2 points per game, emerging as one of the league’s most lethal offensive weapons. However, the Knicks’ reliance on Brunson’s heroics in the playoffs highlighted the importance of having another star like Randle in the lineup.
While Brunson may have been able to shoulder the load, he cannot do everything Randle does. The Knicks need Randle’s physicality, versatility, and ability to create offense from different spots on the floor. Randle’s dominance in the paint allows the Knicks to generate high-percentage looks, and his ability to score in a variety of ways adds another dynamic element to the team’s offense.
Randle’s Value Beyond the Numbers
Julius Randle’s value to the Knicks goes beyond the raw statistics. His ability to facilitate the offense, rebound, and defend makes him a unique player in the league. Even in a season where his shooting percentages fluctuated, Randle’s presence on the court consistently made the Knicks a better team. Last year, he assisted on the fourth-most corner threes per 100 possessions, a testament to his ability to draw defenders and find open teammates.
When Randle is playing at his best, the Knicks don’t have to worry about creating good shots—the question is simply where those shots will come from. His playstyle may not always be the flashiest, but it’s effective. With the Knicks enjoying their best title odds since 2000, this could very well be the start of a new golden era for New York basketball. Brunson is only 27 and signed through the 2028 season, and rumors suggest that Mikal Bridges is not far behind in securing a long-term contract.
The Path Forward
To challenge top-tier teams like the Boston Celtics, the Knicks need Julius Randle playing at an elite level. Yet, concerningly, the Knicks have not made much progress on an extension for Randle, and rumors continue to swirl that they’ve shopped him around in trade discussions. This would be a shortsighted move for a team that has thrived largely due to Randle’s presence. In fact, this current Knicks roster is a championship-caliber team not in spite of Randle, but because of him.
Letting go of Randle would be a misunderstanding of what makes this team special. He fits the Knicks’ system perfectly and is a big part of why they’ve been successful. For all the criticism and doubts surrounding his game, Julius Randle is a player the Knicks can’t afford to take for granted.
As the 2024 NBA season approaches, the Knicks should prioritize keeping Randle. His value to the team, both statistically and as a leader, is too significant to overlook. If the Knicks want to maintain their upward trajectory and contend for a title, retaining Julius Randle must be part of their long-term strategy.
