New York Knicks: Julius Randle seeks to capitalize after MIP season

The New York Knicks will go as far as Julius Randle can take them. 

It’s a new season in New York for Julius Randle and the New York Knicks. After everything that took place a season ago, the question is can the team carry momentum into another great season. Randle continues to ascend as an individual player and leader. Coming into this season, he looks to help the Knicks start the season off on a good note.

Randle was by far one of the most exciting players last season. His ceiling raised a ton as he developed in all areas of his game. Randle’s 24.1 points per game along with 10.2 rebounds rewarded him the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award. Not only was he able to have an All-Star caliber season, but he also led the Knicks back to the postseason for the first time in eight seasons.

While Randle had a great regular season, the momentum didn’t transition into the postseason. The Knicks found themselves in an intense first-round matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Throughout the series, the Hawks limited Randle from getting easy opportunities, forcing him to become a decoy through most of the series.

Randle shot 29 percent in the five-game series against the Hawks. After having a bad series, questions surrounded whether he could be a No. 1 option moving forward.

The narrative of Randle after the playoffs was utterly ridiculous. This was a guy who received an insane amount of love for leading New York to a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. There could have been postseason jitters for Randle, considering it was the first series of his career.

Heading into this season, how would Randle continue to develop as a player and leader? With the city of New York having its eyes on him, it is his job to deliver through the course of the year.

With that being said, coming into this season is a more motivated and hungry Julius Randle. In the Knicks’ season opener against the Boston Celtics, Randle was on a mission from the beginning. The 3-point shot was working and he was making his way to the basket. Despite the Knicks having to overcome a double-digit lead early in the first half, the team weathered the storm thanks to Randle’s leadership.

Randle finished the contest with 35 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in a double-overtime victory. It wasn’t just Randle’s scoring that impacted the game, but also his ability to keep his teammates involved. The versatility that he is bringing to the floor is crucial for the Knicks moving forward.

As the 2021-22 NBA season continues to progress, the question is how will Randle continue to elevate? Can he grow from the NBA’s Most Improved Player to an MVP Candidate? Could he also help the Knicks shock the world and become a top-three candidate in the Eastern Conference?

A lot is weighing on Julius Randle’s shoulders that he shows he’s capable of carrying. Considering how well the Knicks performed a season ago, Randle will look to take the team to different heights.