The New York Knicks have not been able to live up to the lofty expectations many had on them prior to the start of the season. We're still just a quarter of the way through the campaign, but right now, the Knicks aren't exactly looking like a playoff team.

There are a number of problems that need to be resolved within the squad, but apparently, there is one underlying issue that could be festering inside the locker room. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the leadership of Julius Randle — or the supposed lack thereof — is one of the most daunting problems the Knicks are facing right now:

One source believes locker-room leadership has started to become an issue. Randle is not a born leader, self-admittedly the quiet type, as is Derrick Rose.

Other leadership candidates would be hard-pressed to be the team’s motivational speaker: Kemba Walker, banished from the rotation; Evan Fournier, the struggling French newcomer not known as an orator; Taj Gibson currently out of the playing mix.

Randle is the cornerstone star of the Knicks and naturally, his teammates look to the All-Star forward to be their talisman on and off the court. The fact that the Knicks paid him a massive $117 million contract extension last summer serves as a testament to how much trust the organization has placed in Randle. Unfortunately, based on what we've seen from Randle and the Knicks so far this season, it is clear that the front office has yet to receive substantial returns on their investment.

Randle's numbers have taken a dip from his All-Star campaign last season, but perhaps more importantly, his inability to step into the leadership role for the Knicks is even more concerning.

“When you look at the team, there really isn’t an outspoken leader,’’ one NBA source said. “You look at every team in the NBA, they have an outspoken leader. Is there an outspoken leader or is everyone being too respectful to each other and not wanting to voice their opinion?’’

Julius Randle, Knicks

For his part, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has a clear idea of what he expects from the leader of his team. A coach can only do so much. At the end of the day, there has to be at least one player on the roster that is willing to speak out when required. The players need someone to look up to, especially considering how there are a lot of young members on the squad.

“We want a team of leaders,’’ Thibodeau said. “We want everyone doing the right things. That’s the best leadership you can have. Your actions reflects your priorities. You can see what’s important to everyone. How you practice, prepare. How you navigate through adversity when things aren’t going well. It’s all part of it, building habits, determination, will, perseverance. All the things we need to work through things.’’

The good thing here is that Randle appears to be aware of the problem. He knows that he isn't the most outspoken player out there and it seems that he also appreciates the need for him to be better in this regard:

“I think we’re all trying to get it turned around,’’ Randle said when asked about the leadership. “We’re working at it and trying to get a better focus of what we’re trying to do.’’

The silver lining in all this is that it's still early in the season. Randle and the Knicks have more than enough time to turn things around. If they don't, however, then there's going to be a lot of questions asked in the offseason.