Julius Randle was on top of the world last season, leading the New York Knicks back to the playoffs for the first time since 2013 and making the All-NBA Second Team while doing so. This season has been nothing close to that for Randle, his scoring average has fallen by a drastic 5 points a game.
Randle had an infamous moment recently when he showed a thumbs-down gesture to the Knicks fans, who haven’t been best pleased with his performances this season. Now, rumors have indicated that the Knicks are interested in bringing Pistons’ man Jerami Grant to New York. This could be a warning sign for Randle, considering that both players play power forward.
According to The Athletic (via New York Post), a potential move for Grant and the Knicks’ supposed interest in Myles Turner is thanks to them not being sold on Randle as the long-term option to lead them. Grant is available as the Pistons are looking to build around a young core of Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey.
Conceivably, Grant and Randle can play together as both are able to play multiple positions but if the Knicks are also looking to bring in Turner, that could mean they lack confidence in Randle. In many cases, trades and moves in New York look like a real possibility as they continue their efforts to get back into the playoffs.
The Knicks are currently the 11th seed with a 20-21 record but that’s just 2 games behind the 7th seeded Hornets. If they can find some form and string wins together, they stand a very real chance of making the playoffs for the second year in a row.
Randle is averaging 19 points and 10.2 rebounds this season but his assists average has fallen from 6.0 last season to 4.8 this campaign. Furthermore, his three-point percentage has fallen by 10% and his overall field goal percentage is down by 5%. Grant is shooting better this season while also averaging a point more at 20.1 per game.
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