I still think Payton needs to go as his two man game with Randle is frustrating beyond belief, and the lack of shooting will remain, but independently of that we are seeing growth from Randle. The question always has been if you can have a lineup with Mitch, Randle and Barrett and survive defensively and have proper spacing. Randle will be a below average 3pt shooter at best and Barrett, someday, can become average at best. It seems to me that Burks and eventually Quickley are the backcourt that really make sense as they each add above average 3pt shooting off both the dribble and catch, and enough playmaking where Randle doesn’t have to go overboard. In a league where most teams no longer have a true PG, and use multiple bigger guards and wings as playmakers, a lineup including Randle, Barrett, Burks and Quickley should provide plenty of playmaking and do fine on the defensive end as well. Obviously quickley has to prove he’s for real, and this lineup working is contingent on him becoming a good shooter in game and steady hand on both ends of the floor.

This isn’t to say Obi has become an afterthought or anything. He basically will be employed as 6th man for the foreseeable future with the way Randle is playing. If he ends up becoming so good that he forces his way into the lineup, great, Randle can become a 6th man himself eventually. But I think under the circumstances and with next years draft class drying up, we can’t rule out Randle returning if he plays at this allstar level. Maybe he is still the same player he has always been and this thread ages poorly, we will see.

knicks1248 wrote:Randle is not a 6th man even if he was on the lakers( they would move AD to Center). I don't know any 20/10/4 players that come of the bench unless this is the olympics.

It's obviously Better Coaching, Maturity, Film watching, familiarity with most of the roster, and practice, practice, practice, thats where it starts.

The team seems to be developing better habits (like going back in the gym right after a loss and putting up 250+ shots). As long they do what Thibs says, they will continue to get better, and Randle will be the Guy that may attracts a few decent FA. Their not a lot of PF in the East putting up those #s. He may have a shot at a All Star Nod

He will be an all-star this year if the Knicks are in the .500 range. Obviously I don't expect that, but if they were he would obviously be the biggest reason. I believe Barrett will eventually be an all-star, but certainly not this year or even next.

Knixkik wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:Randle is not a 6th man even if he was on the lakers( they would move AD to Center). I don't know any 20/10/4 players that come of the bench unless this is the olympics.

It's obviously Better Coaching, Maturity, Film watching, familiarity with most of the roster, and practice, practice, practice, thats where it starts.

The team seems to be developing better habits (like going back in the gym right after a loss and putting up 250+ shots). As long they do what Thibs says, they will continue to get better, and Randle will be the Guy that may attracts a few decent FA. Their not a lot of PF in the East putting up those #s. He may have a shot at a All Star Nod

He will be an all-star this year if the Knicks are in the .500 range. Obviously I don't expect that, but if they were he would obviously be the biggest reason. I believe Barrett will eventually be an all-star, but certainly not this year or even next.

Peyton said the team wasn't the least bit surprised by the outcome of the Bucks game last night, that's a very confident statement.

I don't Think this is a hot streak for randle, he's not just playing well, he's playing like a Leader

Randle isnt trying to earn a new deal by mostly calling his own number, inflating his stats, like Derrick Rose did. So when I see Randle playing unselfish, ball, efficient, making an impact. Im not so worried about it being a contract year. Dont see him alienating Thibs, as soon as he has his money.

cooch2584 wrote:My take is that before Thibs he was asked to do TOO much. Seems hes built up a trust with these guys and Thibs because it seems that he knows where his teammates are on the floor for the better shot.

Literally everything went right

I would give credit to Thibs and the coaching staff first and all the players second. Thibs effectively out coached Bud yesterday.

Before we start planning on keeping anyone let’s get a 10 game sample.

It was a joke for some to say he should be coming off the bench. That just some hater ****. Some also forget he is only 26.