Randle, who is averaging 23.1 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game – all of which are career-best numbers – has seemingly taken his game to the next level under head coach Tom Thibodeau.
After the game, Thibodeau was quick to praise Randle as being an extremely important part of what the Knicks are doing, even if there are nights where he’s not scoring quite as much.
“He’s our engine,” Thibodeau said. “He plays with a lot of toughness, and there’s a lot of multiple-effort plays that he’s making, but he’s also playing very unselfishly. If you cut and you’re open, he’s going to hit you. He can handle the ball, he’s got very good skills with the ball. I think those guys are very hard to guard, and his shooting has improved. I thought he had some wide-open looks, but he’s shot the three very well this year, so that makes him harder to guard, and he can out-quick you. I think when you put centers on him, he can take them away from the basket and then crack them off the dribble, or if they close short to him, he can shoot the shot. So, he’s doing a lot of things for us really well.
“And then defensively, the rebounding, multiple effort, we’re asking him to play backup center right now also, so he’s doing everything. Playing big minutes, comes in the next day and works, takes care of his body, great with recovery, great in the film sessions, and it’s the type of leadership that’s invaluable to a team.”
Randle, who has averaged close to a double-double for his entire career, put up strong numbers during his first season with the Knicks in 2019-20, averaging 19.5 points with 9.7 boards and 3.1 assists. But his stats have seen a clear uptick across the board, and according to Thibodeau, the 26-year-old is taking the necessary steps toward becoming “the guy” for the Knicks.
“When you look at most players in this league, there’s a progression to becoming that type of player. They don’t just get there overnight, there are steps that they have to take along the way, and I think he’s done that,” Thibodeau said. “I think each year he’s gained experience. I think that’s probably the most valuable teacher. I think you learn through listening, and trial and error is a big part of learning. I think all of the experiences he had with LA and then with New Orleans, and then to take all of that with the pause in the season, it allows you to take a step back and reflect and work on the things that you think can help you and things that you learned over time.
“And probably the biggest thing that he did, he’s in unbelievable shape and it tells you the importance of being in great shape. To be able to play the minutes that he’s playing, I think he prepared himself to do that, and to be honest with you, to win games late, you have to be in great shape.”
Randle and the Knicks will be back on the floor Friday night, as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30 p.m..
