That said I can see him bouncing back and having a great game to close out. There's always the concern his head is even further out of the game too. I think he's gonna bounce back, but this is gonna be really interesting to watch.

GustavBahler wrote:

Rookie wrote:Julius Randle - almost loses game, gets benched for lack of effort

Also Julius Randle - “All I care about is winning”

I dont believe his head was in the game. Once they made sure that Jules didnt have an easy path to the rim, he got flustured. Still looked flustured on the bench in the 4th.

Randle was standing, supporting his teammates. But he had that "deer in the headlights" look on his face. Like he didnt know what to do. That may have been partly why he didnt stick around for questions. Jules didnt have an answer for them.

I hope Randle studies how they're trapping him, and works with the coaches on an adjustment(s). Im sure he is.

From what Ive seen. During the regular season, Randle can get away with using his dribble to feel out the D, so to speak. Before making his move. Doesnt have the time to do that in the playoffs, Cavs arent letting him. Jules has to take it to the rim, before the entire D is locked in on him, not just his defender.

I believe thats also why IQ is struggling on offense. They're both waiting too long to make a decision.

He's a frontrunner....when things are going well, he wants the praise and credit, but when he struggles and things ain't going his way, he pouts, even when we win. This is a sign of metal weakness and why I am not a fan if his...He strikes me as the type of player that would rather score 40 and lose than score 2 and win.

martin wrote:

VDesai wrote:Thibs gave him a lot of support, said he was our horse, said he was hurting, that less tough players wouldn't even be out there. HE had all the support in the world and all he had to do to answer the question was say "We won the game, and the guys on the floor were playing well, all I care was winning." And instead he says "That was Thibs call," implying he that it wasn't health related at all. I just don't understand his mentality sometimes, so emotional.

That said I can see him bouncing back and having a great game to close out. There's always the concern his head is even further out of the game too. I think he's gonna bounce back, but this is gonna be really interesting to watch.

Yes. And this right here is why I can see Randle getting traded if - BIG if - the right deal comes along. An all-in type move. Like in 2 years Giannis wants to be on the biggest stage.

Randle, for all of his talents, needs his emotions and personality managed, and that is incredibly taxing on a team and staff over the long haul.

Knicks will do everything and anything to keep him right, right up and until the time they trade him, if that comes to be.

Milwaukee is interesting study. Lasrey sold his 25% of the club recently. Middleton has 42mil player option, Giannis can extend this summer, and Holiday in February.
BroPez is DPOY at 35 and a free agent. From what I have seen Giannis does not appear to be a guy who craves attention and recently said he wants to disappear when he retires.
Randle is not a cornerstone type for trade but he is an allstar who puts up numbers. Add IQ, EF, two no. 1's and its a good haul in return for a non contending rebuild.
Does this also pave a path for Grimes and StarJay's ceiling to rise?
Giannis gonna be ok with Thibs? He ok to extend his contract? Would Bucks value IQ as fans here do?

Rookie wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Rookie wrote:Julius Randle - almost loses game, gets benched for lack of effort

Also Julius Randle - “All I care about is winning”

I dont believe his head was in the game. Once they made sure that Jules didnt have an easy path to the rim, he got flustured. Still looked flustured on the bench in the 4th.

Randle was standing, supporting his teammates. But he had that "deer in the headlights" look on his face. Like he didnt know what to do. That may have been partly why he didnt stick around for questions. Jules didnt have an answer for them.

I hope Randle studies how they're trapping him, and works with the coaches on an adjustment(s). Im sure he is.

From what Ive seen. During the regular season, Randle can get away with using his dribble to feel out the D, so to speak. Before making his move. Doesnt have the time to do that in the playoffs, Cavs arent letting him. Jules has to take it to the rim, before the entire D is locked in on him, not just his defender.

I believe thats also why IQ is struggling on offense. They're both waiting too long to make a decision.

I think Thibs is using him to spread the floor and keep Mobley away from protecting the rim. I don’t ever remember Randle standing in the corner not engaged at the point of attack before. I think he just mentally checked out and stopped playing defence. The strategy is sound but I don’t think Randle isn’t handling it well mentally/emotionally. Obi stepped up big and I do think Randle is being sincere rooting on his teammates, but that’s about all he’s got. He looks pouty and drained of any energy or focus on the court.

Agree.

As Ive been saying all season. Randle hasnt been dependable enough when it matters to be a 1st or second option. Jules produces like one, except in crunch time, and the playoffs. Thats a third option to me.

Still believe he can turn it around this playoff run, but beyond this season, we need more help. With or without Jules on the roster.