Back in 2020-21, I had a conversation with a friend (Celtic fan) who hadn't watched much of Randle at the time, saying that he was the best player since Ewing (sorry, yes, I think both that year, and this, he has a better well rounded game, a better team effect than Carmelo, due to his defense and passing). I even uttered the words, "he may even be a better all-round player than Ewing was."
Yes, Ewing holds just about every record in the Knicks' books that doesn't belong to Clyde (or apparently EF! (but give it time)). But as good as Ewing was, as much as we loved those teams, on offense, I remember very plainly that Ewing was pretty much a black-hole on offense. I remember clearly the point guards passing him the ball and him doing his 3 dribbles/(carries) before launching a shot, or passing it back to the PG - just to DEMAND THE BALL BACK AGAIN!
I still think that Ewing's defense was a level above JR's.
But, I might be inclined to argue that Randle is a better all-round team player - at least when his head is screwed on right. And his teammates will be able to excel to greater levels with him than they ever could on Ewing's teams.

Love to hear everyone's thoughts.

Panos wrote:

BigDaddyG wrote:No. And whatever it is you're smoking, stop before I call 911.

I'm channeling my inner-NYKMentality! ✔️

Goddamit. He's the last person who needs to see this. Can you 🔒 the Martin? Nothing good is coming from this thread.

BigDaddyG wrote:

Panos wrote:

BigDaddyG wrote:No. And whatever it is you're smoking, stop before I call 911.

I'm channeling my inner-NYKMentality! ✔️

Goddamit. He's the last person who needs to see this. Can you 🔒 the Martin? Nothing good is coming from this thread.

Too late, he posted

ToddTT wrote:Two warriors. And talented scorers.

Randle a more willing passer.

Ewing more imposing. And obviously proved himself over many years.

Different positions, different eras and rules. Hard to compare them.

If I can pick 1 star and four average players, and the stars are Ewing and Randle, I’m taking Patrick.

How about this question… if you swap Mitch and Julius with Patrick and Oak, do we win a championship in the 90’s?

Nope, but Ewing, in his prime and in this era where offensive players are afforded much more protection from defenders, would've been a force.

CleaverGreene wrote:

ToddTT wrote:Two warriors. And talented scorers.

Randle a more willing passer.

Ewing more imposing. And obviously proved himself over many years.

Different positions, different eras and rules. Hard to compare them.

If I can pick 1 star and four average players, and the stars are Ewing and Randle, I’m taking Patrick.

How about this question… if you swap Mitch and Julius with Patrick and Oak, do we win a championship in the 90’s?

Nope, but Ewing, in his prime and in this era where offensive players are afforded much more protection from defenders, would've been a force.

Ewing today would be Embiid

TheGame wrote:If you want to compare Randle with Melo, then you can make an argument as to who will have the bigger impact, but Randle as a LONGGGGG WAY TO GO before you can start comparing his impact to Ewing.

Agree. Randle vs Melo is a better discussion.

Why do we have to pull down the great knick players of the past? Why can't we enjoy the moment without mentioning Ewing? This reminds me of Lebron breaking Kareem's total points record. Does that mean Lebron is now better than Kareem? Hell no. Two different players, eras, etc. Both are great players. Randle and Ewing are great players. Does it really matter who's better? I know this is an open forum, but in general I have a problem with comparing these new age players vs the ventage players that set the ground work.