The Knicks must make a difficult decision on the future of their three-time All-Star big man…….

The Knicks must make a difficult decision on the future of their three-time All-Star big man.

The New York Knicks were decimated by injuries and lost by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Knicks struggled in the playoffs without three-time All-Star Julius Randle, but the acquisition of OG Anunoby was the season’s impetus.

Prior to the New Year, the Knicks had talent but lacked cohesion and the humility required to compete for an NBA championship. Following a late-December trade, Anunoby quickly established himself in the Knicks’ lineup, as the team went 12-2 and possessed the NBA’s best defense.

The addition of Anunoby increased the Knicks’ versatility and depth, making New York a matchup nightmare for opponents. Anunoby and Randle were injured on January 27th in a game against the rival Miami Heat, kicking off a whirlwind for the Knicks that would last the remainder of the season.

Injuries derailed Julius Randle’s momentum this season

Randle missed the rest of the season due to a shoulder dislocation, while Anunoby contended with a nagging right elbow ailment that required surgery and allowed him to return to the floor pain-free two months later. With Anunoby back in the rotation, the Knicks went on to win five of their next six games, finishing the season as the Eastern Conference’s second seed.

The Knicks had a 17-3 record with Anunoby in the lineup going into the playoffs against reigning MVP Joel Embiid. Anunoby’s toughness was reminiscent of Randle’s, but it was his emphasis on defense that stood out the most.

Anunoby was a defensive machine in his own right, and his skill set on the defensive end allowed others to maximize their duties more efficiently while effortlessly increasing the team’s defensive intensity. It was a beautiful pot of “Thibodeau Stew” as the Knicks appeared dominant heading into their second-round battle against the Indiana Pacers.

Randle lacks defensively

Randle has been criticized for his lack of defensive ability. His lack of effort when he is having a bad offensive night has hurt the New York Knicks. Randle’s passion for the game is evident when he wins, but maintaining that degree of intensity when losing when things don’t go their way distinguishes championship teams.

Your best player’s mentality pervades the entire rotation. It might be argued that Jalen Brunson outperforms Randle in terms of career numbers, but what is undeniable is how much better the team performs when Brunson leads the way.