Going into the 2021-22 season, Julius Randle looked like an absolute stud for the New York Knicks. Surprising everyone with his incredible 2020-21 season, many thought that Randle was the next superstar the Knicks had in their ranks. With an improved jump shot and defensive solidity, Randle became the crown jewel of coach Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks.
A year later, things drastically changed for the Knicks and Randle. Although the 2021 All-Star played in the 72 regular season games, the impact he had on the team was rather disappointing. Seeing drops in his points, assists, rebounds, and three-point shooting, Randle fell off and couldn’t maintain his star status and was heavily criticized for his performances.
Julius Randle Puts Up An Impressive Display In His Latest Training Session
With training camp starting in less than one week, NBA stars are trying to get in their peak shape. Knicks’ Julius Randle is no different. Recently, the 27-year-old was spotted attending a Chris Brickley training session.
There the 2021 All-Star was seen splashing buckets at will. From scoring mid-range jumpers to three-pointers, Randle was automatic during the practice session. Not only that, he looked in peak shape as well.
“Julius Randle is in great shape as training camp is right around the corner 💯”
— Chris Brickley, noted NYC trainer and former Knicks player development coordinator pic.twitter.com/0CyxsVlfFg
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) September 22, 2022
Many NBA fans also reacted to the same.
Him and Quick have taken it to another level with that this offseason 💪🏾💪🏾 https://t.co/LEgAMPWJ87
— Mike (@BronxLegend) September 22, 2022
so clean https://t.co/4pPu5cJQYv
— KnicksFeed & the Big Steppers (@knickzfeed) September 23, 2022
I expect a solid year https://t.co/FIrbp7JaCd
— Rell P.O.S.A (@LVXPOSA) September 23, 2022
Go get it @J30_RANDLE https://t.co/moKpzreAi8
— NYC Roundball (@NycRoundball) September 23, 2022
He got LBJ’s build, he just needs more VC https://t.co/8SV47J8hYZ
— SupremeLeader (@talipanda420) September 23, 2022
💪🏾💪🏾😤 Just WATCH. Yeah Ju! https://t.co/L5rezqJjgw
— DoItAllCjay (@PrinceOfNYC30) September 23, 2022
👀
Those jumper looks clean asf https://t.co/4BtcK3yGsX
— DAMILOLA (@Damilola_BD) September 23, 2022
💪🏽💪🏽 YOU JUST WAIT & SEE. Keep doubting my guy. #NewYorkForever https://t.co/OpqJvh36yO
— P (@playoffpbball) September 23, 2022
Has a player ever won Most Improved twice? https://t.co/DvDOU1R0GW
— Los🇧🇿🇵🇷 (@ceejcervantes) September 23, 2022
https://twitter.com/GodSonRel/status/1573091085806870530
This is certainly a great sign for Knicks. While they did acquire a solid point guard in Jalen Brunson, their hopes of bringing a superstar like Donovan Mitchell fell through and the team certainly finds itself in a tricky situation. With players like Randle, the Knicks are clearly not a young team that is rebuilding, but rather a team who are trying to make it to the playoffs next season.
With Brunson added to the roster, the Knicks will hope that Randle can carry on the form he has shown in his practice sessions and regain the superstar status he got back in the 2020-21 season. If Randle can get back to his best and players like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley continue to improve, the Knicks can be a playoff hopeful.
