Not many expected the Knicks to do much better in 2020. However, thanks to some major improvements from Julius Randle, the Knicks made the playoffs in 2021 for the first time since 2013. In the process, Randle deservedly won the Most Improved Player Award: Establish yourself as a legitimate star in the league.
The 2021-22 season was a bit of a downturn for the Knicks, but it didn’t take long for them to bounce back. Buoyed by the huge signing of Jalen Brunson, as well as the subsequent additions of Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein, the Knicks have assembled one of the deepest teams in the association.
Alas, it seemed the Knicks had managed to find a winning formula even without Julius Randle. Hart has worked wonders as the team’s power forward thanks to his elite rebounding ability, while Randle’s absence has opened up more touches for Brunson and DiVincenzo, allowing them to reach a higher level of play.
Brunson, in particular, was a man on a mission during the 2024 NBA playoffs. Meanwhile, Randle hasn’t exactly proven to be a very good player in the playoffs. In 15 career playoff games for the Knicks, Randle shot a putrid 34.4% from the field and a horrible 28.3% from beyond the arc.
Randle will have a big contract soon; Will keeping him in town be a Knicks game? Or is it better to package Randle’s contract alongside their asset pool for a bigger star who could help further elevate the team?