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3 New Year’s resolutions for the New York Knicks in 2022

By Brendan O'Sullivan

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 28: Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks (C) talks to his teammates during a time-out in the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Target Center on December 28, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 96-88. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 28: Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks (C) talks to his teammates during a time-out in the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Target Center on December 28, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 96-88. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 29: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks dribbles defended by Saddiq Bey #41 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Little Caesars Arena on December 29, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Rick Osentoski/Getty Images) /

New Year’s resolutions for the New York Knicks in 2022: 2. Julius Randle needs to return to All-Star form

Julius Randle gave many New York Knicks fans hope. After losing Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony in recent years, the team desperately needed a star to rely on.

Randle seemed to be that guy after an All-Star, Most Improved Player of the Year, and All-NBA Second Team campaign last season. Averaging 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game on .456/.411/.811 shooting splits, en route to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, hinted at a bright future for New York.

Unfortunately for the franchise, Randle and the team have taken a step back this season. While the team doesn’t rely as heavily on Randle as last season, they still need him to reach All-Star form to be a playoff team.

His scoring output is down, which is understandable with new offensive options in the rotation. However, the efficiency is concerning and the main reason his season has been underwhelming.

Through 35 games, he’s shooting just 41.7 percent from the floor and 32.8 percent from three. It’s a significant drop, drastically affecting how the Knicks play. Without Randle’s ability to efficiently spread the floor, he’s not able to slash as effectively.

Also noteworthy, his free-throw percentage is down to 77.1 percent, and he’s attempting 1.3 fewer shots from the charity stripe. While that’s not a daunting dip, it’s enough to draw attention.

Driving more to the rim is an easy solution to solve his efficiency woes right now, but he needs to up his three-point percentage first to keep defenders honest.

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