The NBA’s Most Improved Player Julius Randle earned a four-year, $117 million extension with the New York Knicks last week after a historic 2020-21 regular season.
The deal comes on the heels of a 20-win improvement for the Knicks (41-31), good for 4th seed in the Eastern Conference and their first playoff birth since 2013.
It was one of the best stories of revival in all of sports – the unexpected growth of an All-Star paired with a new Knicks front office, and coach, desperate to change the seemingly doomed narrative looming over the Knicks franchise for decades.
The tides are officially turning. Randle’s extension should signal the change in culture that Knicks fans deserve without team President Leon Rose having to say a word. Rose’s statement after the signing, though, paints a clear picture.
Rose believes in Randle, and conversely, Randle believes in Rose. Randle passed up on a widely reported chance for a $200 million contract next off-season by signing an extension now. The NBA M.I.P. could have bet on himself for a big pay day, instead he bet on Leon Rose for a title.
Knicks Sea Change in Culture
It’s a powerful message of trust from the top-down, a tangible agreement between a franchise player and his front office that anyone can point to as proof of a rebirth in culture. That’s something that can certainly help lure stars to New York.
“We’re all a family, we have that trust. Even if I left money on the table, I trust that in the long run it’s gonna pay off,” Randle said.
After Randle’s performance last season, who wouldn’t want to come join him in The Mecca? He’s one of only two players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists on 40% shooting from three in a season. NBA legend Larry Bird is the only other, according to Stat Muse.
Those are Hall of Fame type numbers – proof of his dominance and versatility last season. If he puts up similar stats next season, and even continues to improve, his $117 million extension will be worth every penny. Thus leaving the Knicks with much more financial flexibility to build a championship contender in the long run.
And for those already chirping that his performance was a fluke after a poor playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks, Randle has a message for you.
“They really just don’t know sh-t about me. If you watch my career and watch me play every year, I’ve gotten better. So, that just speaks to my mindset and who I am as a player. So, if you think that, have fun with that take,” he said.
The NBA M.I.P. isn’t a player you should bet against. And with the extension now official, Knicks fans can rest easy knowing that Leon Rose and Randle both know someone worth betting on when they see it.
M.I.P. with a Mamba Mentality
NBA franchises don’t just stumble upon players as driven as Randle routinely. His ascension to All-Stardom is no accident, it has been brewing for years. After what he admits was a disappointing first season in New York, Randle reflected on his relationship with former teammate Kobe Bryant for inspiration.
He detailed the story in his article for the Players’ Tribune in March. It’s a testament to why Randle is worth every dollar of his extension.
Bryant inspired Randle’s no-nonsense work ethic, changing the course of his career as teammates in Los Angeles. As a result, the trajectory of Randle’s success has aligned directly with the rebirth of the Knicks culture and young talent, paving the way for Randle to lead the next generation just as Bryant did for him.
“I think I’ve always known what a blessing it was that I got to be teammates with Kobe for his last two years in the league. But there’s knowing…. and then there’s understanding,” Randle said in the Players’ Tribune article.
“And I think this year, for the first time, I’ve really understood why Kobe mentored younger players like me. Not just so we could flourish ourselves, but so we could pass down what we learned to other players as well. I think that’s a huge part of his legacy, especially in those last few years.”
In other words, the Knicks have locked-in a late-blooming NBA star, inspired by a late-NBA great, who wants nothing more than to lead New York to a title. So much so he’ll leave upwards of $80 million on the table for that chance. The decision to extend him was a no-brainer, and it’s great that Randle thought so too.
Eyes on a Ring
Randle’s goals in the NBA have been on a steady climb alongside the growth in his game. He has improved each season as a result of his Mamba mentality, consistently reaching into his bag for new elements of his game.
After winning the M.I.P., signing the extension, and acquiring guys like Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier, Randle is ready to compete for a title in New York. If that means helping recruit more players to the Big Apple, he’s ready to represent.
“My number 1 goal is to win a championship in New York. If they need me to help get players, i’m 100% confident in doing that,” Randle said.
The expectations have been raised across the board and that’s a great sign. A strong draft and free agency headlined by the Knicks’ unexpected signing of Walker may be the jolt of energy they need for a serious playoff run.
But on a deeper level, Randle’s extension represents much more than a great signing at a fair price. It signals stability – an assurance that Randle and team President Leon Rose are locked-in on the same goal. It’s the type of top-down continuity that’s rare for any organization in sports.
The Knicks’ franchise player and team president have trust in each other and trust in their vision, a vision for a championship. That’s something Knicks fans haven’t seen in decades.
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors and recaps heading into the start of the 2021-22 season! Also, catch CP, CK, JD and Alex Trataros break down their player expectations heading into next season below!
