The Knicks' rise this season has surprised many people, after all, they no longer have star players on the team, but are composed of a group of "no-no- and no-four" forwards and a few point guards who have never been able to prove themselves. However, such an undesirable team is very promising to enter the playoffs this season, and the team's interior big player Randle also has the hope of becoming the new leader of the Knicks.
As the Lakers' player with the 7th pick in the first round, Randall did not quickly become the core player of the team like the same players Embiid and LaVine, when the Lakers' focus was on the retiring Kobe Bryant, and Randall also announced the rookie season reimbursement because of injury after only one game. After the comeback, Randall quickly showed his basketball talent, and the Lakers management also liked this big man with strong body and projection ability, and regarded him as the key player for the team's future training.
Unfortunately, when Randall was preparing to show his fist in the Lakers, James's arrival left the Lakers' salary space indefinite, and at this time, Randall's contract officially expired, and the Lakers did not have enough salary space to keep Randle. It would be nice to be able to play with James if he were to be another young player, but Randle didn't do that, and he didn't choose to cut his salary to renew his contract, but instead joined the Pelicans. Here he averaged 21.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, making him a quality interior for the league.
At this time, the Pelicans chose to send Davis away, and the team officially entered the rebuild. Randle, who has player options, chose to step out of his contract and sign a three-year, $63 million contract with the Knicks. After coming to the Knicks, Although Randle has declined in stats, his overall efficiency is much higher than the previous season level, and the Knicks, who are doing their best to rebuild, have begun to focus their tactics on him.
For small-ball tactics, players like Randle can play to their biggest advantage. Randall is physically strong, does not suffer even against interior players who are taller than him, and can use the change of footsteps to get past opponents. In terms of shooting, Randall also has a stable shooting rate, facing defenders who are not as tall as him, Randall can directly complete the offensive end with shooting, which is the best misplaced offensive point on the Knicks court.
Knicks' new coach Thibodeau is good at developing young players, and the new tactical system he has created for the Knicks has also changed the Knicks. Today, Randall, under the tutelage of Thibodeau, is cultivating his keen sense of smell on the defensive end, and his excellent physical confrontation ability will also make a difference on the defensive end. If Randle's defensive ability improves, then his threat on the inside will rise to a new level.
As long as he maintains his current performance, Randall is hopeful of winning the Fastest Improving Player Award at the end of the season. It's just that this award is just the beginning for Randall, his goal is now to lead the Knicks back to the playoffs and play a certain number of results, if this can be done, then Randall will definitely be established by the Knicks as the new leader of the team, which is the most important for Randle.