fishmike wrote:

martin wrote:

fishmike wrote:how do you evaluate a roster and players based on the above bold? Keep in mind his absolute worst still produced 20/10/5 on what was his 2nd career low EFG% (after his rookie season). That's not defending last year... he was neither good or clearly "there." I think the fact that NOBODY talked about it tells me it was personal stuff.

I am 100% there with you on that. It's why Thibs and FO never waived with Randle. Kept repeating the same things, let him do his thumbs down thing without much repercussions, and maybe even overplayed him just so that he had an outlet. Maybe.

it passes the eye test. I dont see coddling either. I still refuse to believe Thibs/Leon will pin their success with the Knicks on how it works out with Randle. It just makes sense that they kinda knew all along and just chose to ride it out. I also cant remember a teammate calling him out either which would back up the personal issues thing.

Again.. not making excuses for last year but it appears the FO is right in being patient because the guy's playing and acting really well (again)

Check out 9:45 of this video. Fred adds a layer of the same thoughts. Good stuff.

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https://twitter.com/KnicksMuse/status/1611569980159533059

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https://twitter.com/dolan_j_trump/status/1611734122254270466

Knixkik wrote:There’s really no in between with Randle. He’s either a superstar or an untradable contract.

Par for the course. Since Knick fans usually base a players performance on their expectations.

Superstar 24/10. Untradable 20/9.9

HofstraBBall wrote:

Knixkik wrote:There’s really no in between with Randle. He’s either a superstar or an untradable contract.

Par for the course. Since Knick fans usually base a players performance on their expectations.

Superstar 24/10. Untradable 20/9.9

Its not Knicks just fans. Its numbers. Volume doesn't mean anything by itself.

2023 .539 eFg. Winning team.
2022 .459 eFg. Losing Team.

But that .08 difference in eFG results in about 3 more points per game on the same shots from Randle alone.

Do the same for Barrett (he stunk the first part of the season, he's come on the last 20 games or so (ignoring injury) to be .54% eFG compared to .46% in 2021-2022. On 16 shots per game that's another 3 points found from more efficient shooting since this team turned it around.

Last season, 11 games were lost by 6 points or less.

martin wrote:

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://twitter.com/statmuse/status/1612085966902026240

Thats it.
When do the "Dump Randle" crowd bend a knee and just enjoy the player?
Not like he told our mothers to "STFU"?
Half a season in he proved his detractors wrong. Perhaps a whole season is in order. His contract back in the "Bargain" area.
PhilC: "Thats it". Great one liner. In fact, two words does the trick.

Rebounds matter.

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https://twitter.com/NBA_NewYork/status/1613704966601904128

RJ also having some in lane dunks also and exacting more physicality since his slow start. Our guys might have been a bit finesse but are finding some power.

Are slow starts by young players needing time to work in off season skills to instinctive levels?
As for Randle, he came to us young and he has developed. The dump crowd likes to point to his pre knick playing but he is a hard working young man who really got better as a knick. Not a smooth line always.
And he was a free agent.
As is Brunson.

We said nobody wants to come here? Better yet are getting players who excel AFTER they do. As a fan we have little to go on but past performance. Its why we suck at this. Its why its hard for teams to do this.
At this moment, Brunson and Randle are playing beyond their contract. Randle took a step back last season. Brunson might have hit his ceiling here but its thats fine. I expect he tails off some as teams learn to deal with him.
But now they have to deal with Randle.
Which leads to RJ at 22 and his still upside. Im optimistic that this knick culture grows players. I push back when I read we should trade for guys established but understand its not in every knick fan to have imagination given our history.
At this moment we are playing good ball, are in the hunt for a playoff (not play in) spot and I think Thibs is getting the most of this roster. Pundits and media given predictions should be thinking we are playing above their preseason thoughts. Who cares about predictions, the season is here and its going very good.
I don’t know if we at the level we can find a finishing piece, but its fun……..