The New York Knicks haven’t attracted an NBA All-Star this summer as players like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, and Kemba Walker decided to sign deals elsewhere. Still, they did get Julius Randle, who became a top target following Durant’s move to the Brooklyn Nets. Now, they view Randle as one of the leaders of the young squad.
Just work! 😤 https://t.co/BQVEXtLLo0
— Julius Randle (@J30_RANDLE) July 26, 2019
The 24-year-old experienced a breakout season with the New Orleans Pelicans last year, averaging 21.4 points and 8.7 rebounds in 73 games, and deservedly secured a three-year, $62 million contract with the Knicks.
“Being able to be the face of this iconic franchise. I had a lot of options. I felt this opportunity for me was the greatest opportunity. The whole fan base that’s staving and hungry to win more than [any team] in the NBA. I don’ think there’s a better place in the NBA to win than the Knicks,” Randle said to the New York Post.
The 7th overall pick from the 2014 NBA Draft is playing the best basketball of his career at the moment, and there is no doubt he will represent a significant reinforcement for the Knicks.
With the guidance of head coach David Fizdale, there is an optimistic belief that Randle could further come out of his shell and have huge numbers as the top offensive player with the Knicks.
“He (Fizdale) said when he took job, there was no better place to win. I felt the same thing. We think alike. We got a lot of good guys on this team, man,” said Randle.
Julius Randle said he and the rest of the new Knicks bring toughness to the team. “We’ve got dogs. We’ve got dudes who don’t back down. Killer mentalities. That’s what we need. Get back to the old school. Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley and all of those guys. Toughness.”
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 6, 2019
