NBA: Former Top Pick Ready For Lead Role With Gotham-Based Squad

Julius Randle finally broke out last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, and all that has been rewarded handsomely. His performance reaped dividends, with the 24-year-old being handed a $62 million contract spread over three years. Looking ahead, it looks like the former Kentucky Wildcat has it made and said that joining the Knicks was a dream come true.

“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,” said Randle via the New York Post.

There is no question that the career of the 7th overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft has shifted to high gear. Seeing how he jacked up his numbers with the Pelicans last year to 21.4 points and 8.7 rebounds in 73 games, there is no doubt that his full potential was unleashed after years of trying with the Los Angeles Lakers. Playing from 2014-2018, Randle had his best season during the 2017-18 NBA wars where he averaged 16.1 points and 8.0 rebounds in 82 games.

With the Knicks, he is expected to further boost those numbers as he steps into the lead role particularly when it comes to scoring. He is expected to get ample help from Kevin Knox and RJ Barrett although the 6-foot-9 banger is expected to be the go-to-guy of New York for the coming season.

As mentioned in a previous post, Randle became the hands-down choice after the Knicks failed to land Kevin Durant. KD opted to sign with the Brooklyn Nets although he is expected to miss the whole 2019-20 NBA season. Initially speculated to be getting a short-term deal, the three-year contract seems fit – especially if one is to gauge Randle’s breakout last season. Through the guidance of head coach David Fizdale, there is plenty of reason to believe that Randle could further come out of his shell and unleash a monster performance being the new face of the Gotham-based squad.

“He 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.