There has been some concern within the mainstream media about the recent offensive struggles of New York Knicks forward Julius Randle. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post stated on November 3rd that Julius Randle has performed poorly over the last 17 games.
Over his last 17 games — which includes a dud playoffs — Randle has shot (shield your eyes, children) 82-for-248 (33%).
Julius Randle’s role in Tom Thibodeau’s offense
At first glance, the concerns about Julius Randle’s recent performances this season are valid. However, when you look beneath the surface, Julius Randle’s early struggles are related to the offense the New York Knicks have been running for the past 3+ seasons under Tom Thibodeau.
The New York Knicks’ favorite offseason set over the past 3+ seasons has been the pick and roll, as they run this play 19.2 percent of the time, averaging 21.3 possessions per game. When New York runs this offensive set, they typically have three players stand behind the arc to provide maximum space for the pick-and-roll ball handler and role man.
Julius Randle is one of those players standing behind the arc. The New York Knicks’ primary pick-and-roll ball handlers during this time have been Derrick Rose, Jalen Brunson, and Kemba Walker, who have all averaged over 6 possessions per game. Their primary pick-and-roll partner has been Michael Robinson, rolling to the basket an average of 1.2 times per game.
Consequently, Randle has been forced to take a significant percentage of his shots from behind the arc over the past four seasons. Three-pointers have accounted for 35.5 percent of his shots per game. Julius Randle’s three-point attempts have increased by 23.1% under Tom Thibodeau.
Julius Randle is taking the wrong shots under Tom Thibodeau
Unfortunately, 3-point shooting is the worst aspect of Randle’s skillset. Before this season, Julius Randle shot 33.6% from behind the arc on 3.3 attempts per game. Julius has struggled this season, shooting 22.5% on 6.7 shots per game.
As I have mentioned repeatedly over the past few years, if the Knicks want Julius to be more consistent, he needs to be closer to the basket. Julius Randle is most effective around the basket, shooting 65.5% within 3 feet of the basket.
Unfortunately, Randle has seen a 24% decrease in shots around the basket under Tom Thibodeau. Before Tom Thibodeau, Randle took 45% of his shots within 3 feet, averaging 5.5 per game. Since the arrival of Tom Thibodeau, only 21% of his shots have been within 3 feet, averaging 3.8 per game.
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