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Kendrick Perkins blasts Julius Randle, Knicks for selfish basketball
The New York Knicks are enduring a tough start to the new season. They've lost four of their first six games. After making the playoffs last season, many had hoped the Knicks would take another step in their development.
ESPN's Kendrick Perkins believes part of the problem is a selfish brand of basketball, and the issues start with Julius Randle.
"First, how about pass the ball to one another," Perkins said. "There is too much individual basketball, and it starts with Julius Randle. Not only should the Knicks fans be frustrated with the way he plays the game, but if I'm on his team, I'm frustrated. There is no way in hell that they're in the film room, watching their games and not noticing that he is ball-hogging like he has to be unselfish, get off the ball, trust his teammates, and play team basketball."
The Knicks has to do something with Julius Randle and his damn ball hogging!!! God Bless America pic.twitter.com/LzqpbBV9OG
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) November 4, 2023
Randle is shooting 27.1% from the field and just 22.5% from three-point range in his first six games after being an All-Star last season. Whether it's in the locker room or part of the coach's game plan, clearly something isn't working.
The Knicks didn't lose any of their primary talent this summer. Instead, they signed Donte DiVincenzo to add some additional defense and steel. After six games, the Knicks look miles away from being a playoff team. There needs to be a vast turnaround.
Randle has been New York's best player the past few seasons. Any change of fortune starts with him improving his production level. He has to be the leader on the court. Selfishly hunting his own shot isn't going to galvanize his teammates.
Instead, Randle's selfishness will stop players from trusting the ball to ping around and find the open man or for their star forward to make a decision for the good of the team. It's supposed to be Knicks basketball. The team has to come first. If Randle doesn't change his mindset, New York could start shopping him. The trade deadline isn't until February. Things need to change. Fast.
More must-reads:
- Mitchell Robinson's trainer rips Knicks after team's latest loss
- Former teammate predicts Donovan Mitchell will eventually join this organization
- The 'NBA players drafted out of high school' quiz
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NBA champion guard retires after career filled with memorable moments
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New report sheds light on how Cowboys view Micah Parsons situation
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Packers may find themselves in position to repeat a quarterback move that once paid off after the latest NFL development
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