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Charles Dodgson's avatar

Thanks JM, always appreciate your thoughts! I have a radically un-radical hypothesis -- and your answer, I suspect, will resemble your response to those who point out that RJ is coping with offseason trade talk.

As players, play-by-play folk, and writers never tire of pointing out, basketball is deeply dependent on energy and momentum -- who has it and who doesn't -- something this year's Knicks struggle with. And it's not just effort, it's some ineffable quality of energy. Last year, especially relative to the year before, was miserable in that regard. Randle was -- and continues to be -- the main culprit on the floor, directly enabled by Thibs (who is of course just a golem breathed into existence by Rose and co).

Over the years RJ has watched as Randle slowly and painfully grew out of his patented dribble-spin into a double-team; or launched early-in-the-clock 3s against teams without rim protection; or played matador D; or jogged the ball up (or jogged behind his cover...or with his head down after a f*@kup); and all of the other energy- and fun-sapping habits we're all accustomed to.

I can only imagine it's as demoralizing to play with, night in and night out, year in and year out, as it is to watch as a fan. RJ has only played with Randle. His entire pro career. He has never seen accountability. He's never been with a leader who leads by playing hard all the time, not taking plays off and throwing his hands up. And now RJ is effectively throwing his hands up, bowing his head, taking plays off. He sees a ceiling on a team with Randle wearing the same color jersey -- and it's sort of brushing against his head.

Julius Randle actually seems like a lovely guy. He seems like an especially sweet man, to be honest. But he also seems like he has some demons, and they seem like demons he hasn't taken so much as a step toward facing quite yet. Moving on from Randle (yes, and Thibs... and hopefully Rose and Dolan, but let's stay on planet Earth) isn't just a helpful move to improve the team's chances, it may actually be an existential issue with respect to RJ -- to say nothing of Obi, IQ, and the rest.

I should note that while I'm not a hater, I'm no RJ stan. I think he tops out as 3rd best player on a contender, but I like him. Problem is, his best qualities -- the grit, heart, toughness, will -- are the very qualities that you put in jeopardy by playing him with someone like Randle.

Anyway, thanks for all you do. I know how much work this is. It sure ain't about the money.

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Jonathan Bailey's avatar

Thanks as always! You know, being a Knick fan don't come easy.

But, each great Knick play, [a crucial block, a thunderous dunk, a felonious steal, a game winner trey] lives on in our memories. Moments of joy. Some teams raise banners, others amazing seasons, we have precious moments. Frustrating, yes. Treasured, always.

Give Grimes the ball!

Set Sims free!!

I would hate to see RJ figure it all out and finally be the nice player he can be in Toronto or Miami. But, he might take the skills of a Spoelstra or Nurse for him to get over himself. He is still young, notwithstanding his MSG tenure [Fizdale's time should not even count] and extension contract. He is still developing. Being who you can be is the struggle of a lifetime. I hope he can get over himself and figure out how to be his best self in NYC.

Gracias. It is a joy to contemplate sports in a world with much sorrow. I remind myself: Even a Knick fan should be thankful. Enjoy your families.

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