Julius Randle, Knicks. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Knicks’ Julius Randle has dominated the competition
Julius Randle has bolstered up nearly every aspect of his game, earning the first All-Star selection of his career. But what is hands down the most remarkable and impressive, is his leap from shooting 28% to 42% from behind the arc, and it has completely changed how the Knicks game plan.
As much as Knicks fans would like to not remember last season, we do, and Randle used to be turning the ball over or making horrendous passes what seemed like every other offensive possession. Part of the reason Randle was making those woeful decisions was because of the fact that defenses knew he wasn’t a threat from three and dared him to shoot, giving him a disrespectful amount of open space.
Now that Randle has developed a consistent three-point shot, it causes opposing defenders to guard him closely, allowing Randle to blow by them with ease. This also allows the rest of the offense to get open for uncontested shots, as Randle beats his defender, help defense is forced to collapse on him making other Knicks wide open.
At a young age basketball players are taught to be in a “triple threat” position, meaning always give yourself the opportunity to shoot, pass, or dribble and Julius Randle is such a prime example of not only how important that is, but how effective it can be too. Without Randle, the Knicks would be in deep, deep trouble. Possible MVP maybe?? Kidding… not really though, he should be in the conversation.
New York Knicks</a>‘ All-Star Julius Randle has improved the most this year. If you go back to last season, <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/02/knicks-julius-randles-three-point-shot/2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/randlju01.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">Julius Randle made 64 three-pointers in 64 games. This year he has 67 in just 35 games. </a>We have gone from closing our eyes, shaking our heads, and praying Julius Randle made a three-pointer to now expecting it and relying on it.</p>
<p>Julius Randle’s three-point shooting hasn’t only benefitted his own game, earning his first All-Star selection, <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2021/03/02/knicks-julius-randles-three-point-shot/2/"https://dailyknicks.com/2021/02/24/knicks-3-players-julius-randle-helping-get-better/">but the Knicks as a whole</a>, and it’s clear to see. RJ Barrett has also made a strong leap in performance from last season and it comes from Julius Randle’s improved shooting. RJ Barrett is a slasher who is best going downhill towards the rim, and this style of play needs floor space, which Julius Randle creates with his respectable jump shot.</p>
<p>Julius Randle’s improved three-point efficiency has also given Tom Thibodeau the freedom of coming up with two extremely effective lineups. In today’s NBA if you as a team don’t shoot the ball well from three, you will lose games. While the Knicks aren’t necessarily the best scoring team in the league, they shoot the ball well and consistently. When the starting five which includes Julius Randle comes off the floor, the Knicks don’t miss a beat with three-point shooting. Immanuel Quickley and Alec Burks offer that same threat which causes frustration from opposing teams.</p>
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