The New York Knicks All-Star power forward Julius Randle was recently ranked among the top 10 power forwards in the NBA, but his placement in the top 10 may generate mixed reactions from his fans and basketball fans.
Frank Urbina of HoopsHype placed Randle at No. 7 overall in the Association, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (No. 1), Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans (No. 2), Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero (No. 3 ), Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers (No. 4), Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 5) and Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen (No. 6).
Julius Randle is near top five at his position in recent player rankings
Urbina highlighted some of Randle’s biggest strengths as well as areas where he can improve to justify his spot on the rankings, saying in part that (h/t Jeremy Brener of the New York Knicks on SI):
“The big lefty has a quick first step, a very strong left shoulder, good athleticism around the basket, good shooting touch as a floor spacer and underrated vision as a playmaker. He may not be the most efficient outside shooter, but he at least needs to be defended there, opening up driving lanes for Randle to do what he does best: attack the basket,” Urbina wrote.
Randle’s play in a down 2023-24 campaign could hint at a career-best year on the horizon
Randle has been one of the most impressive players at the position for the Knicks in 2023-24, even if it was a tough year for him by his standards. Had he played enough games to be considered the league leader, the Kentucky product would have ranked No. 4 among power forwards in scoring (24 points per game), rebounding (9.2 rebounds per game) and assists (five assists per game), and would have finished No. 4 in the first two categories and No. 3 in the second when factoring in the power forwards that Urbina ranked as four men.
Randle was also instrumental in helping the Knicks get through a tough stretch after a slow start to the season. Once he overcame a notable scoring drought that spanned the first 18 games of the year, saw them finish 11-7 and put up an uncharacteristic 19.9 points per game, the two-time All-NBA Third Team honoree provided secondary scoring and top-notch playmaking alongside fellow 2024 All-Star Jalen Brunson. That led to the Knicks with an 18-10 record from Dec. 1 to Jan. 27 — the same day he ended his season with a dislocated shoulder against the Miami Heat — behind his 26.2 points per game and 51.2 percent shooting.
Randle has all the tools to become an even better All-Star caliber player than he is now. However, he needs to prove himself in the playoffs to raise his stock in 2024-25. Additionally, all of the power forwards who were mentioned before the 29-year-old either have better offensive prowess than him or have something about their game that makes them stand out more convincingly. If Randle can improve his three-point shooting percentage, consistently play in high-stakes moments and take his defensive effort to new heights next season, he could have a better individual season than his power forward peers and win at a higher rate in the process.
