He changed his repertoire to include a LOT more three-point attempts. Randle averaged 25.1 points, ten rebounds, and four assists in 77 games. The team would finish 47-35 and fifth in the Eastern Conference. Then, in February, the Knicks traded Cam Reddish to the Portland Trail Blazers for Josh Hart, who provided another upgrade on offense and defense. you should ask him about it.) The team took a while to rise above mediocrity, eventually finding its identity when Thibodeau reduced his playing roster. (Evan Fournier was still hanging around, but. The backcourt tandem of Brunson and sophomore Quentin Grimes was a refreshing improvement. New York’s big splash heading into the 2022-23 season was their signing of point guard Jalen Brunson. The team won 37, lost 45, finished 11th in the East, and missed the playoffs. In a January game, having grown tired of boos, he gave Garden fans a thumbs down. Randle regressed, too, averaging 20.1 points, 9.9 boards, and five dimes in 72 games. Despite scoring 20 per night, RJ regressed as a shooter (41% FG, 34% 3P) Fournier would set a record for most threes in a season by a Knick, and was nevertheless largely inconsequential. Kemba’s failing knees would last for 37 games, off and on, until Thibs finally replaced him with Alec Burks. Walker was the starting point guard on opening night, alongside Evan Fournier.

Unfortunately, Kemba Walker, the All-Star brought in to replace him, had already passed his Sell By date. Thibs claimed his second Coach of the Year honors. That season, Julius played in his first All-Star game and won the Most Improved Player award.

‘Twas a nice Cinderella year for an over-performing team that finished 41-31 and fourth in the Eastern Conference. What has Clint Capela done since then? Yet, for all the good feelings about the club, no one expected them to go deep into the postseason. Their final destination would be a first-round playoff loss to the Atlanta Hawks.Ĭould they have gone farther if Mitchell Robinson had not been injured? Sure. Overall, the team still had limited firepower and had to ride their bull as far as Randle could take them. And sophomore RJ Barrett put up encouraging numbers (17.6 ppg, 40% from deep). and a draft pick for Derrick Rose, who brought true point guard skills off the bench. In February 2021, the team traded Dennis Smith, Jr. Reggie Bullock was a 3&D wing with an emphasis on the D. Why not? Once again Elfrid Payton started as the lead guard that season and could be charitably called an absent-minded ball-handler. That season, Thibs let Randle spin, spin, spin to his heart’s content in the paint. Julius took the challenge to heart and averaged 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and six assists over 71 games. The high flyer from Brooklyn by way of Dayton was considered by many to be Randle’s eventual replacement. Then, in the Draft, the Knicks used the eighth pick to select Obi Toppin. Two significant changes came in the offseason before Randle’s second go-round in Manhattan.įirst, the team replaced interim coach Mike Miller with veteran sideline screamer, Tom Thibodeau. Julius did not look like he would wear the orange and blue for long. He shot 46% from the floor and 28% from downtown on about three and a half attempts per game.

Sandwiched in with that bunch, Julius averaged 19.5 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 64 games. Bobby Portis pitched in as a back-up big. Marcus Morris started 43 games as a shooter. Rookie RJ Barrett was the starting small forward beside Randle, and his 45% eFG did little to help with floor spacing. (For the record, I liked Miller.)Įlfrid Payton was the starting point guard that season. David Fizdale coached the club to 4-18 before being replaced by Mike Miller. The team finished 21-45, and 12th in NBA Eastern Conference. Randle’s first season with New York was the 2019-20 campaign. It is also fair to consider the circumstances and surrounding personnel. Sure, you can blame Randle for his fluctuating stats. And a sine curve has continued through his time with the New York Knicks. The next year-this time with the New Orleans Pelicans-Randle improved to 21.4 points per night. That season, he averaged 16 points per game. The cycle dates back to 2017-18, his fourth year with the Lakers. From year to year, his numbers go up and down. If you review Randle’s statistics at, an odd trend emerges. (paywalled)Ī primary player in said offense remains starting power forward Julius Randle. Today at The Athletic, Fred Katz wrote about the Knicks’ “unconventional” offense and if they can dominate again this season.

Kemba walker stats sports refence