Knicks’ lineup ‘perfect as is’ with Julius Randle according to NBA Hall-of-Famer

The Knicks saw greater playoff success in 2024 without Randle in the lineup

There’s no doubt that Randle is a versatile All-Star that can service any contending team. The major question marks around his name lie with his dependability come playoff time.

The Knicks saw their most successful playoff run in 24 years without the Kentucky product healthy in the lineup. When he has been active in the postseason for New York, he’s shot 30 percent or worse from the field in six of his 16 appearances for the ball club. Another four were under 40 percent.

Randle has regressed when it matters most. While his presence would have undoubtedly helped the Knicks in their 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals series which they lost in seven games to the Indiana Pacers, the main thing that the NBA world cares about is whether he can help lead them to a championship behind All-Star Jalen Brunson or not.

Brunson rose to fringe MVP status this year and took his game to an even higher level in the playoffs, finishing second to Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid among all playoff scorers at 32.4 points per game through the first two rounds. Though considerably less, he too has question marks around his name as to whether he can be the main guy that spearheads a title run.

Are the Knicks a “perfect” team as is?

Garnett labeling the Knicks a “perfect” team as is runs contrary to a belief that many of his legendary NBA counterparts have when reflecting on their championship seasons. Greats like Shaquille O’Neal have incessantly stated that regularly upgrading rosters is paramount to teams achieving and sustaining greatness in the league.

The Knicks have Randle under contract until his player option takes effect in 2025-26. His name has been a centerpiece of Knicks trade rumors in recent weeks. If the Knicks get a chance to trade for a player the likes of Paul George or Donovan Mitchell, their hand may be forced to throw Randle into whatever deal takes shape. The Texas native will need to prove that he can, at the least, increase his output in a deep postseason run to give Garnett’s appraisal credence and silence critics.