Julius Randle Role Unclear for Knicks

New York Knicks star Julius Randle will have to make some adjustments this season.

Jeremy Brener | 8 Hours Ago

Jan 9, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) looks to post up against Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) in the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

New York Knicks star Julius Randle is returning to the team from shoulder surgery he underwent back in March, but things won't pick up right where they left off when he eventually returns to the court.

The Knicks were forced to adapt with Randle out and found some new wrinkles that could work down the line. In addition to that, they also traded for Mikal Bridges, which should transform and add even more facets to the offense.

CBS Sports writer James Herbert believes that makes Randle's role on the team a bit uncertain.

"As a result of a shoulder injury suffered in late January, Randle wasn't a part of the Knicks' playoff run. Given how well they played without him, it is easy to forget how well they played with him leading up to his injury. New York went 12-2 in the 14 games he played in the 2024 calendar year, including two 39-point performances, four more 30-plus-point games and a triple-double. His absence forced the Knicks to expand their menu on offense, but by the end of the season, they missed his scoring and ability to draw double teams. How he'll fit on the next iteration of the team is unclear, but he should at least create some easy spot-up opportunities for Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo and Mikal Bridges," Herbert writes.

There will be an adjustment period when Randle re-enters the lineup for the entire Knicks rotation, and things may not be 100 percent upon arrival. However, there is the belief that the Knicks will be at their best when Randle is healthy and on the floor.

If he can return to his All-Star form and find a way to incorporate Bridges and the rest of his teammates into the offense, the Knicks may reach new heights as a team.

Make sure you bookmark New York Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Published 8 Hours Ago

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.