New York Knicks forward Julius Randle has been named the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
The first-year All-Star is on an absolute tear, averaging 35.8 pts, 8.3 reb and 6.5 ast through a 4-0 stretch that has New York on a 6-game winning streak and half a game behind the Atlanta Hawks for the 4th seed in the East.
The Knicks went through a tough stretch of close losses in March that had some fans wondering whether or not the Knicks’ playoff hopes would free fall. But Julius Randle is dominating and this roster continues to prove its resilience, bouncing back with consecutive wins and fighting for a top seed in the East.
The difference between this season’s squad from years past is glaring. These Knicks can close out games and dominate with their defense. It’s a testament to the focus and discipline of the players and coaching staff from the top down. In addition to Julius Randle, RJ Barrett is improving across the board, Nerlens Noel held strong as a defensive anchor in the wake of Mitchell Robinson’s extended injuries, and Reggie Bullock and Alec Burks have been underrated contributors to this season’s success.
Randle in NY long term?
The Knicks should lock Randle in long-term, It’s hard to argue otherwise at this point. He’s playing at an All-NBA level and easily exceeding the worth of his current $60 million-dollar contract. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, because the third year of Randle’s contract with the Knicks is only partially guaranteed, he’ll be eligible for a four-year, $106 million dollar deal from New York starting at $24 million in 2022-23.
And before All-Star weekend, Randle affirmed his desire to stay with the Knicks long-term, according to Mike Vurkonov of The Athletic.
The Knicks may have a significant decision on their hands, but this one should be a no-brainer. Barring some catastrophic end to the season, Randle deserves every dollar of a four-year, $106 million dollar deal with the way he’s performing and representing the New York Knicks franchise.
Mamba Mentality in New York
Randle’s growth as a leader is special and the results on the floor are undeniable. His recognition as the Eastern Conference Player of the Week is a testament to both his excellence this season and his grind in the offseason. Randle is emerging as an NBA superstar with a mamba mentality work ethic inspired by the Black Mamba himself.
It’s an incredible sports story – one the Knicks franchise and die-hard fans should feel lucky to be a part of. The evolution of a New York Knick both on and off-the-court, inspired by an NBA legend, is developing in The Mecca. Randle should remain in New York long-term as an essential building block to a championship foundation, anything short of that would be same-old Knicks. Julius Randle, Tom Thibodeau and this new-look front office are certainly not that.
Stay tuned to knicksfantv.com for the latest Knicks news, recaps and rumors throughout the season and as the playoffs approach.
