The New York Knicks have their work cut out for them as they try to start from scratch yet again. The team underwent major changes this 2019-20 NBA season, marred by the dismissal of David Fizdale and the entry of a new President in the person of Leon Rose. Looking ahead, more changes are expected but all that may have to wait until the league decides on the fate of the current season.
The coronavirus has forced the suspension of NBA games ever since some players tested positive for the virus. Among the first players who got infected were Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz, two guys who are not at odds because the former got a bit careless during an interview. On the Knicks front, the only one who tested positive so far is team owner James Dolan last Mar. 28, ESPN reported.
The Knicks were hoping to see their season end for them to move on and make moves. Among the things, they need to address is the head coaching position currently held by Mike Miller. The names of Tom Thibodeau and Jeff Van Gundy were mentioned and nothing has been settled.
As far as players who could be dealt away, some lesser-used cagers are likely to be out of the lineup. But one curious case is that of Julius Randle. The former Kentuck standout has been criticized for holding on to the ball too much and this has frustrated players like rookie RJ Barrett. Randle hogging the ball has resulted in slower (to no) ball rotation, depriving other players to contribute especially on offense, the New York Post reported.
Randle has come into his own ever since he left the Los Angeles Lakers. He had a great year with the New Orleans Pelicans, a reason why the Knicks took him in. But even though he holds a three-year $63 million deal with New York, critics believe that he will likely be dealt off. So far, the only team reportedly interested in the 7th overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft are the Charlotte Hornets.
This season, Randle has averaged 19.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. However, he is atrocious from the perimeter and has failed to pass off to teammates who can hit it from outside. Randle is putting up good numbers but if his efforts fail to help the Knicks win, a trade to another team who could have more use for him is likely to happen before the next NBA season starts.
