The New York Knicks have raised not a few eyebrows this season for their improved play. For a number of fans and experts, Julius Randle is the one responsible for bringing the winning culture back into the franchise. For his efforts, teammate Taj Gibson believes Randle is one of the season's MVP contenders.
Per Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, Gibson feels Randle should get more respect and should be up there in the MVP conversations with Nikola Jokic and Chris Paul, considering the pressure he carries as the Knicks' cornerstone.
“At the top as well. You look at the body of work that Julius put together on a night-to-night basis. People don't understand how tough it is to play in New York and bring the winning mentality back to the Knicks.”
Taj Gibson has Julius Randle in the MVP race too.
"At the top as well," he said. "You look at the body of work that Julius put together on a night-to-night basis… People don't understand how tough it is to play in New York and bring the winning mentality back to the Knicks." https://t.co/azHjPzFnpT
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) May 4, 2021
Gibson is well-aware of the struggles of the Knicks. Over the last six to seven years, the team has undergone a number of coaching changes and failures to lure in big-name free agents. Off-court controversies marred the legendary organization as well. And so Gibson's words have a lot of heft in them.
But since the arrival of Randle last season, the Knicks have steadily risen.
Earlier this campaign, there were only a few whispers surrounding the Knicks and the do-it-all Randle. Perhaps many did not want to share their opinions for fear that they might jinx the squad.
But now, with the Knicks most likely to qualify for the NBA Playoffs for the first time since the 2012-2013 season, people are giving them their respect. This season has marked a new beginning for the Knicks, and Julius Randle is at the center of it all.
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