Team-oriented sports are generally self-explanatory; you utilize the players around you to accomplish a specific goal. The New York Knicks have struggled with that concept in recent years, and in 2019, that reality didn’t evade them as Julius Randle took over the spotlight, in the worst of ways.
From a statistical standpoint, Randle posted substantial numbers — 20 points per game and ten rebounds, but he overshadowed every other player with his lack of ball movement and generosity on the court. Third overall pick RJ Barrett suffered because of it, despite having a successful first campaign himself.
Barrett will likely finish with 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game as the season is in flux due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, building a cohesive team with ball-sharing abilities must be a priority, which ultimately promotes trading Randle.
Some Knicks players were upset at Randle’s lack of ball-movement and selfish mentality.
Marc Berman of the New York Post:
Nevertheless, some Knicks, including rookie RJ Barrett, were frustrated by Randle’s penchant for not distributing the ball quickly enough and overdribbling, according to two sources familiar with the situation.
“A lot of players felt like that with the exception of Elfrid Payton,’’ one NBA source told The Post.
Payton seems to be a more introverted player, and having played with Randle in the past, he understands his style of play and chose to avoid any confrontation. Staying out of the cynical spotlight can save a player the hassle of dealing with negative attention.
Moving forward, the Knicks must begin to build a team that desires to play together and not apart. Some players favor isolation, like Carmelo Anthony and Alonzo Trier. Still, the reality is, you either need to be one of the best players in the league or a sure-fire mid-range shooter to warrant keeping the ball for more than a few seconds. You can justify Melo holding onto the ball to get his shot, but Randle isn’t an above-average shooter. He would stall the offense’s progression in hopes of driving to the hoop, which didn’t fare well on a young Knicks team that didn’t draw defenders from the paint.
Seeing how their next head coach handles this situation will be interesting, and it’s possible new GM Leon Rose could look for a trade partner to take Randle off their hands. The locker room should also be a worry, as self-centered players who stall the offense can create hostility behind the scenes. Professional athletes have delicate psyches and must work together to form a positive cohesion.