Could OG Anunoby and Julius Randle play some minutes together at the power forward and center spots for the Knicks? The Athletic’s Fred Katz explores this possibility.
While head coach Tom Thibodeau has been reluctant to use Randle in the middle due to lack of rim protection, the Knicks’ current personnel could make it more feasible, Katz notes. Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are two of the top defensive wings in the league, making rim protection less essential. The Knicks could have Anunoby guard opposing centers in those lineups, while Randle would serve as the center on the offensive end, setting screens and hunting for offensive rebounds.
We have Knicks-related tidbits:
- If Mitchell Robinson misses games, Precious Achiuwa will likely take his spot in the starting lineup, Katz opines in the same mailbag. Like Randle, Achiuwa isn’t an ideal rim protector, but he’s adept at defending switches. Once again, Anunoby could wind up guarding centers in these lineups. Katz noted that Anunoby defended Joel Embiid during a playoff game when Robinson was sidelined and Isaiah Hartenstein was in foul trouble.
- Randle’s recovery from right shoulder surgery appears to be going according to plan, per Ian Begley of SNY TV. While Randle may not be ready at the start of training camp, he’s on track to return by the season opener or shortly thereafter. Jalen Brunson‘s recovery from hand surgery also appears to be progressing well and Begley anticipates the All-NBA guard will be a full go by training camp.
- There’s less certainty about Robinson being available for camp, Begley adds. Robinson underwent ankle surgery in mid-May and he has not been given clearance for high-intensity weight-bearing activities. He’ll need to clear several hurdles before he’s allowed to participate in camp.
- In terms of star power, New York ranks fourth among Eastern Conference contenders, Zach Braziller of the New York Post opines. While they have their share of stars, the Knicks fall below Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Boston in that regard. However, Braziller rates the Knicks at the top of the conference in the coaching category and second behind Boston in intangibles.
Count me in the group that is really looking forward to seeing how the ‘Nova Four of Brunson, DD, Hart & Bridges perform together at this level.
Just because OG guarded Embiid doesn’t mean he’s successful in doing so. It’s a bad idea. Let him be effective and avoid foul trouble by guarding within his range. With the 1-4 stocked and deep, MR, PA and JS can foul away. Ideally, I would love to see a Randle for J Allen deal. Salaries match, as do the needs for both teams. The D on the Knicks would elevate to a level teams won’t like on their schedule.
Randle was considered a C when Thibs arrived, and was also considered, at that spot, a huge defensive liability. His weight loss, improved conditioning and some license to use his physicality on the defensive end against PF’s has turned his career.
With the roster reconfigured, I do think the NYK will employ some lineups with Randle at C this season. But, in light of the history, I think it will be a process before it becomes a regular part of the rotation. I also think we might see some brief stints where OG is matched up with 5’s. But NOT both concepts together. I doubt we’ll ever see a lineup with both Randle and OG on the court, where it’s OG that is matched up with the 5. I’m actually trying to imagine any situation where it would make sense.
Wanna see knicks be a top 2 seed in the east…
They should dogwalk pacers, sixers, cavs, bucks, magic. And make celtics sweat.