Hoops Habit
Fansided

New York Knicks: How Julius Randle can improve his efficiency

By Zamir Bueno

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
New York Knicks
Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks drives against OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

A pump fake habit has plagued New York Knicks star Julius Randle

He has continued to struggle early on this season, shooting 37.2 percent on 4.8 shots per game. Randle’s shooting struggles have been compounded by what he is doing with the ball in his hands.

Randle is taking more pull-up jumpers to begin the season so far. He has developed a habit of pump faking when he first goes up for a shot, attempting to separate from his defender.

For instance, Randle had the ball near the right elbow late in the second quarter of a home game against the Toronto Raptors. He pump-faked his defender, OG Anunoby, and proceeded to take two steps forward, hoping to create separation.

Unfortunately, Anunoby didn’t fall for the pump fake and was able to keep up with Randle. The inability to get separation led to Randle taking a step back, mid-range jumper, which he missed to end the possession.

Randle’s new pump fake habit has led to him taking 7.8 pull-up jumpers per game – a 69.6 percent increase from the first nine games of last season. Pull-up jumpers have always been an area of weakness for Randle, as he has only made 34.3 percent of his shots on 3.5 attempts per game since 2015.

His pull-up shooting struggles have contributed to him only shooting 42.7 percent from the field, over the first nine games of the season on 17.4 shots per game. This field goal percentage has only allowed him to average 21.9 points per game in his first nine appearances with the team.

Home/New York Knicks