Keep 'Em or Sell 'Em: Is Julius Randle really the future for the Knicks?

Julius Randle is in the midst of a career year with the New York Knicks. What does this mean for the value of his rookie cards?

Many expected the New York Knicks to stink this season, even under the guidance of new head coach Tom Thibodeau. But lo and behold, the Knicks are defying expectations and actually winning games, with Julius Randle leading the way as a possible All-Star.

Through 26 games so far, New York is a respectable 11-15, which is just outside the top eight in the Eastern Conference. Thanks to the play-in tournament and a weak Eastern Conference, the Knicks have a great chance to get in the playoffs.

There are several key factors for the Knicks’ early-season success. For one, the guidance of Thibodeau and his emphasis on defense has been key to their victories, as the team is ranked sixth in defensive rating. With Thibodeau at the helm, New York is finally playing team basketball, a thought not many expected when the season started.

Another reason is Julius Randle’s leap this season. He's posting career-high marks in points, rebounds, and assists to lead the Knicks to their best start in recent memory. But while Randle is having himself an impressive year, what does it mean for his future in New York and his value on the card market?

Julius Randle started as a glorified role player

Julius Randle entered the NBA in 2014 as the Los Angeles Lakers’ seventh pick. While he suffered a season-ending injury in his first game, the 6-foot-8 forward returned to play three more seasons in Los Angeles after his lost rookie campaign. During his last season there, Randle averaged 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 26.7 minutes per game.

Randle suited up next for the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2018-19 season. While he started off in a reserve role, Randle progressed to a starting role in The Big Easy during the latter half of his stay there.

Although he posted career-high averages in points and field goal percentage at that time, Randle declined his second-year player option to sign with the Knicks for the 2019-20 NBA season. His first year with the team ended on a down note with a lowly 21-45 record.

Julius Randle's massive leap

Julius Randle is having an All-Star-caliber season this year. Throughout 25 games, he's averaging 22.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in 36.8 minutes per game. His success rate from the arc has gone up from 27.7% last season to 39.8% this season while shooting 80.1% from the free-throw line.

Randle is also posting a 4.2 Box Plus/Minus so far this year, which is a far cry from last season’s minus-0.3. This rating places him in 29th place out of 189 qualified players in the NBA.

Randle's numbers are the best so far among the Knicks. His averages this season make him the team’s leading contributor when it comes to points, rebounds, and assists. As a result, his complete game is helping New York win.

The verdict on Julius Randle rookie cards

While Julius Randle has been tearing it up lately, his card value hasn’t caught up yet. His base Prizm rookie card sales are ranging from $10.5 to $22 this week. These prices are far away from the monster season he’s having.

Things can definitely change for the better if the Knicks nab a playoff spot. If that happens with Randle leading New York, his stock will certainly spike up. But the truth of the matter is he’s no LeBron James. Ascending to The King’s level is near-impossible for Randle to achieve.

Unless he takes another leap, there’s no better option than to sell Randle’s rookie cards as soon as possible. There’s no better time to cash in on his stock than when it is at its highest.