If there’s a theme to the New York Knicks’ offseason, “all-in” is the most fitting description. After several years of rebuilding and refining their core, the Knicks have spent this summer securing their future and positioning themselves for a championship run. They extended contracts for coach Tom Thibodeau and star guard Jalen Brunson, re-signed OG Anunoby to a lucrative deal, and brought Mikal Bridges to complete their formidable lineup.
In line with this all-in approach, the Knicks should solidify their commitment to the player who played a pivotal role in the franchise’s resurgence: Julius Randle. His rise to an All-NBA level was instrumental in ending the Knicks’ playoff drought, and he’s been a key contributor to their consistent success over the past two seasons.
Julius Randle has his critics despite his achievements, and not without reason. His playoff performances have been underwhelming, with a notable collapse in the 2021-22 season. Additionally, a shoulder injury last season kept him out of the playoffs, denying him a chance to prove himself when it mattered most.
However, when considering the big picture, the benefits of extending Randle’s contract far outweigh the concerns. Randle is a cornerstone of this new Knicks era, alongside Mitchell Robinson and Thibodeau, who have been with the team since its resurgence. His physicality and on-court presence set the tone for the squad, and his productivity is difficult to replicate across the league.
After a shaky start to last season, Randle found his stride, finishing with averages of 25.5 points, nine rebounds, and five assists on 50% shooting. These numbers align with his career stats as a Knick and are comparable only to the league’s elite players like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Beyond the raw stats, Randle’s game is nuanced. He’s a formidable one-on-one player who regularly attracts multiple defenders, which he capitalizes on with his excellent passing. Defensively, while his effort can fluctuate, he’s capable of being a versatile defender and a dominant rebounder when engaged.
Some may question Randle’s impact on winning, but his importance to the Knicks was evident during their dominant 12-2 stretch in January, following the Anunoby trade. Randle was a key piece of that run, showcasing how well he fits into the team’s system.
The irony of searching for a replacement for Randle is that he embodies what Brunson and the Knicks need—an imposing presence who can create his own shots, facilitate for others, and provide the glue that holds the team together.
Although Randle didn’t get a chance to showcase his abilities in the postseason due to injury, the Knicks should still consider locking him in long-term. If Randle has a standout season, he could opt out of his player option for 2025-26 and seek a max contract elsewhere. On the other hand, if he underperforms, the Knicks might find themselves trying to trade an expiring contract, which is less valuable than if he were secured for the future.
In truth, Randle has little left to prove. His past two playoff campaigns were marred by inexperience and injury, but outside of those setbacks, he’s been a remarkable talent and one of the best players in Knicks history.
Last season’s shoulder injury marked Randle’s first time playing fewer than 70 games since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Otherwise, he’s been an iron man, consistently performing at an All-NBA level.
Julius Randle has embraced the city and the team’s culture, backing it up with his play on the court. Given the Knicks’ commitment to retaining key players, extending Randle’s contract should be the logical next step.
Comments