After the New York Knicks’ disappointing season in 2021-22, the front office made many adjustments and improvements to the team in order to try and have a better 2022-23 campaign.
While in all likelihood, the Knicks will be a better team, there is always the situation in which they don’t and have yet another disappointing year. There are many scenarios that could lead to this happening, all of which New York should want to avoid.
There is a good chance that none of these happen and we see a relatively normal season from the team. However, the possibility is always out there and the team must be prepared in case it happens.
3 scenarios the Knicks should desperately look to avoid in 2022-23
3: Another down season from Julius Randle
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely believe that there’s a chance we see Julius ball out this season. However, in two out of the three seasons Randle has been with the team, he has not been all that good, making the likelihood for another stinker all the higher.
Despite some questionable shot selection, Randle was not all that horrible in the Knicks’ preseason opener on Tuesday. He put up 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists while shooting 60% from the field and 50% from three.
Obviously, it is just the preseason, however, Randle needs the extra confidence to succeed. We have seen just how bad he can be when his mind is not in the right place.
In the situation in which Randle has another poor season, the Knicks front office must look into all options to move on from the veteran forward. If he continues to hold the ball for too long and be extremely inefficient, the Knicks will not win, as we saw last season.
There were already plenty of rumors flying around surrounding a potential Randle trade. While I believe they were just that — rumors — you never know what the Knicks could pull out of their sleeve.
Regardless, I believe there truly is a good chance for a turnaround season out of Randle. Not only does he likely know this is his last chance, but the acquisition of Jalen Brunson will also likely help Randle in many ways, especially with his tendency to hold onto the ball for too long.
