Julius Randle became the symbol of free agency disappointment for Knicks fans last season, but he has shown signs of a turnaround this year, writes Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News. Randle was among several veteran free agents brought in on short-term deals after New York missed out on its primary targets during the summer of 2019. Bondy notes that Randle has lost weight and looks like a different player so far.
“I ran pretty much every day during the offseason. Like I said, that was just a challenge for me to get in extreme condition or whatever it is,” Randle said. “That’s just what I challenged myself to do every day. Yeah, I dropped a little bit of weight but the biggest thing was just pushing myself just to run every day and just challenging myself in that way.”
New coach Tom Thibodeau said he noticed the difference in Randle when he reported for the team’s voluntary training camp in September. Thibodeau has given Randle control of the offense, and he’s averaging 24.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists through the first four games.
There’s more from New York:
- The Knicks are encouraged by the progress of free agent addition Austin Rivers, who has been sidelined by a groin injury but went through he first contact drills Monday, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post. “There’s a progression to coming back,’’ Thibodeau explained. “He was doing condition without contact. Then it goes to one-on-one controlled movements. Then progressed to two-on-two. And then three-on-three. We’re on the three-on-three phase right now. It’s day-to-day on how he feels and whether we get to the next step. There’s more steps to take. He has to play five-on-five and practice with the team. He’s still a couple of steps away.’’
- Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is making a bid for more playing time following the season-ending injury to Spencer Dinwiddie, writes Mollie Walker of The New York Post. Luwawu-Cabarrot was used as a starter Monday and responded with 21 points, six rebounds and two steals in 40 minutes. “TLC has just been really steady,” Nets head coach Steve Nash said. “Very trustworthy defensively. Knows the system. Is very attentive to his responsibilities, and he’s been shooting the ball. He’s played within himself. He’s doing very well.”
- The Nets have remained in contact with veteran guard Jamal Crawford and may consider him as a replacement for Dinwiddie, states Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. Crawford signed with the Nets for last season’s restart, but appeared in just one game before getting injured.
Randle has been looking good, but lets not kid ourselves – he’s playing for a contract, and preferably a big one. The market just thinned out with the Freak signing long-term with the Bucks and KL most likely staying in LA. While I don’t see the Knicks bringing him back, I’m sure someone will pay him more than what he should receive. He’s a talent on the offensive end, but his defense is horrible and his decision making ability on the court is highly questionable.
Randle puts up numbers, Always has. He doesn’t play team ball. He passes when he has to. And he makes poor decisions. To me this is coaching. He’s been moved around so much. He has had to look out for himself. I always said if he played more like Dre. He would be more consistent. He’s not pretty but he can be efficient. At only 26 this yr he is playing smarter. Anyone who can put up 20 n 10 in NBA got talent. The thing is to use it in a system to win games. His passing is better. His decisions are better. His shooting is better. His TOV are still high ( so far). The reason most teams don’t like him. Is he gets his numbers on his own. Not thru the system or off his teammates. I think he needs good coaching. A team to believe in him. Thibs just might be the guy to finally get him. But considering Knicks drafted Toppin. A guy who is more system oriented. Gets his production off the offense. And plays same position as Randle. Seems Randle could be on the move again. He’s signed for two yrs. So I don’t see why Toppin couldn’t just be sixth man for two yrs. And just learn. Thing is Knicks need to fix PG situation. And using Randle as trade chip can help. Or part of pkg to get a star. Randle can be that third option or consistent starter on a team. Thing is so far he’s always played like the first option.
Knicks so far look different. They are playing better as a team offense and defense. Randle is playing smarter. He’s looking good so far. But I still see a PG issue. Payton is only one who plays like one. But when he is off he tends to back down too. I see Frank running from ball instead of to it. When they need leadership and to get a shot. When Knicks get pressed and miss, tighter defense. They regress to bad habits still. So far their shooting is much better. But that will slow down a bit. You can definitely see the affect of Thibs on this team. He as a coach is also more in tune to the game in front of him. The coaching is the glaring difference right away to me. RJ still shows loads of potential but not consistency. IMO Thibs has been playing Smith (hurt again) and Frank. To show them to trade them. Payton is a solid backup PG. Randle playing well to sit Toppin. Is a good problem to have. Toppin should rise to the challenge. You gotta play the games to find the top 8 players you want. Knox has looked better. I think Thibs will try and motivate him. Knox needs to own that SF position. He needs to wake up for sure. I see young talent here. What I don’t see is true leadership with players. As the team grows and plays together. Leaders have to emerge. Players have to want to play here play for Thibs. This yr is about finding that good young core. And going for a player in trade or FA. And using draft wisely too. Knicks have 5 picks to deal with. So it’s picks and players to get a star. And at least find one in the draft. This is a deep lottery and first rd.
So far for the Knicks Robinson is still years away from the level of a starting center.
Toppin was very bad in the only game he has played, as a rookie anyway is safe to say he is years away also.
RJ had a weak season last year, way below my expectations… & so far isn’t rising to the challenge this year, seems more of the same.
DSJ, Frank & Knox are all very bad & disappointing, big mistake to play them, specially DSJ & Frank to try to get something for them, just get rid for nothing will be an improvement.
JR on the other hand was very good last year… & this year so far he has been stellar, the dude is just sooo good, I hope he can go to a team that wants him & were he can be happy, the guy is a baller, too good to play for the NYK as a matter of fact!
I doubt you have watched a Knick gm this yr. Pretty obvious to me.
Randle and frank will help somebody else we need to ship them both somewhere for a big name team player
Need to play burks more when he gets back
I think we should evaluate this randle situation,dedicating himself to get in shape is the reason why he playing on a All-star level. He acknowledging the coach ing staff that pushed him me personally I would play out his contract then resign him you have to be careful who you add the team via free agency
I think we should evaluate this randle situation,dedicating himself to get in shape is the reason why he playing on a All-star level. He acknowledging the coach ing staff that pushed him me personally I would play out his contract then resign him you have to be careful who you add the team via free agency