Post#559 » by thebuzzardman » Sat Dec 21, 2024 4:56 pm
I see quite a few opinions on Randle here, most of which are true.
There's some victory lap stuff and bashing of Randle that seems a little out of hand as well.
Randle was a very good player for the Knicks. Yes, he took more money than other teams were offering, but he played well and when Thibs showed up, played in a way that started to elevate the team.
Yet, Randle had his limitations, mainly around holding the ball too long which could stall the offense, at times.
He moved the ball quickly, at times. He was always a willing passer, in the context of being a lead scorer.
Randle would put forth effort on defense, but that came and went too much.
The writing was on the wall for Randle, I think, when the Knicks got OG.
OG cut, moved the ball, didn't stall the offense and the defense is always on, at an elite level.
But, what is nice about this FO, is that all along, it at least FEELS like they are executing a vision of play style - reliable outside shooting, quick decision making, unselfish, willing to defend, willing to cut, plus bball IQ.
And this FO did that, had that vision, along with a cap/roster guru who could guide them to be in the best place to try and execute those plans and a POBO in Leon Rose bold enough to do it.
And it all starts with the initial tank that landed RJ, and the beginning of keeping picks that started with Mills\Perry but continued.
So, it becomes apparent RJ isn't the most efficient player, doesn't really fit with Randle and Brunson? And IQ is about to get paid an amount that might ruin their plan and vision? Both get moved for their ideal player in OG.
Before that, made the culture/play style move by moving low bball IQ, low effort Cam for high effort, high bball IQ Hart.
No picks given up for OG
Get Donte for FA $
Get Mikal for 5 picks but no players of note
So, we all thought the plan was the 4 Villanovans and Randle.
But as part of the vision of ball movement, ball not sticking, defensive effort, and the fact that the Knicks prioritized more offense at C because they could live with what they got from the 4 in OG, the Knicks moved Randle (and Donte) for KAT.
It doesn't mean Randle wasn't a good Knick. Like with RJ, the Knicks were patient, played good ball under a good coach, who raised the value of these players, and then when the timing was right, the Knicks moved them for better players who are a BETTER FIT on what the team wants to do.
Randle had a good run here.
When the Knicks traded Walt Bellamy for Dave DeBusschere, it didn't mean Bellamay was a piece of sh*t. He was a very good player traded for a better player and fit.
When Cazzie Russell was traded for Jerry Lucas, he wasn't a bum. The Knicks needed Lucas because of the injuries to Willis Reed.
When Mike Riordan, Dave Stallworth went for Earl Monroe, they weren't dicks. Knicks got a steal.
This FO builds value with players, but since it's Aller, they are pretty relentless in paying the correct $ value for players so they can be moved.
Randle was very good, the TWolves were in a situation, and I think Knicks4Real has it 100%, Knicks were looking to this day for several years.
And I think the Knicks see Mitch's 12 million or whatever he makes this year, always have seen it, as a possible trade chip down the line.
And Thibs loves what Mitch brings, he's in the "circle of trust" when he's on the floor, but I'm not sure he's in Thibs or the FO "circle of trust" as far as being reliably available.
And just like Knicks were willing to move Donte with zero sentimentality to make the correct move, I think the Knicks really want to upgrade the backup C position with a rim protector they are more confident will stay healthy.
It might be Mitch's $ or someone else (there isn't too many other someone elses) but I think for what they perceive the good of the team, they are looking to move Mitch at some point. Might be the offseason. Knicks are in their 2nd 5 year plan now, but the 1st year of it. They won't panic.
