Introduction
When you think of Julius Randle, what comes to mind?
πͺ Powerful drives to the basket
π₯ Tough mid-range jumpers
π Dominant rebounding
But what if I told you that Randle has a hidden skill that makes him even more dangerous? π€―
Most NBA fans know him as a physical, bruising forward, but his playmaking ability is one of the most underrated aspects of his game.
Yes—you read that right. Julius Randle is one of the best playmaking forwards in the NBA today! π―
In this article, we’ll break down:
✅ How Randle developed his playmaking skills
✅ His best passing performances
✅ How his playmaking changed the Knicks’ offense
✅ Why he deserves more credit as an elite point-forward
Let’s dive in! ⬇️
π₯ How Julius Randle Became an Elite Playmaker
1️⃣ Early Days: More of a Scorer Than a Playmaker
Julius Randle was always known for his scoring ability. Coming out of Kentucky, he was seen as a strong, athletic power forward who could bully defenders in the paint.
π 2014 NBA Draft Scouting Report:
❌ Strengths: Finishing at the rim, rebounding, physicality
❌ Weaknesses: Passing, ball-handling, decision-making
At first, Randle’s role in the NBA was simple: score, rebound, and play tough inside. But as the game evolved, so did he.
2️⃣ The Turning Point: Improving His Passing Game
After joining the New Orleans Pelicans (2018-19), Randle started to expand his skill set. Playing alongside Anthony Davis & Jrue Holiday, he realized that his team needed him to make plays, not just score.
That’s when his passing game took off. π―
π Randle’s Assist Growth Over the Years:
π 2017-18 (Lakers): 2.6 APG
π 2018-19 (Pelicans): 3.1 APG
π 2019-20 (Knicks): 3.1 APG
π 2020-21 (Knicks - All-Star Year!): 6.0 APG
By the time he arrived in New York, he wasn’t just a scorer anymore—he was a complete offensive weapon.
π Randle’s Most Legendary Passing Performances
1️⃣ Career-High 17 Assists vs. Atlanta Hawks (2021)
π₯ Final Stats: 28 PTS | 17 AST | 12 REB (Triple-Double!)
In a game where the Hawks focused on stopping his scoring, Randle torched them with his passing instead. He found teammates for wide-open threes, alley-oops, and easy buckets all night!
This game proved that Randle was more than just a scorer—he could run an offense, too.
2️⃣ Clutch Playmaking vs. the Boston Celtics (2023)
π₯ Final Stats: 31 PTS | 9 AST | 8 REB
With the game on the line, instead of forcing a tough shot, Randle made the right play—a perfect pass to Jalen Brunson for the game-winning three!
That’s elite decision-making. π―
3️⃣ Triple-Double vs. Charlotte Hornets (2022)
π₯ Final Stats: 23 PTS | 11 REB | 10 AST
Randle controlled the entire game, setting up teammates and keeping the offense flowing. His ability to balance scoring and playmaking made him impossible to guard.
π‘ What Makes Randle’s Playmaking So Special?
1️⃣ Court Vision Like a Guard
✅ He sees passing lanes that most big men don’t.
✅ He can make cross-court passes with ease.
✅ He finds shooters in the corners for easy three-pointers.
2️⃣ Ball-Handling Skills of a Guard
Unlike traditional power forwards, Randle can handle the ball like a point guard.
π₯ He uses spin moves, crossovers, and hesitation dribbles to create plays.
π₯ This allows him to break down defenses and kick out to open teammates.
3️⃣ Playmaking Under Pressure
When defenses double-team Randle, instead of panicking, he:
✅ Keeps his composure
✅ Finds the open man
✅ Makes high-IQ decisions
That’s what separates good players from great ones. π₯
π How Randle’s Playmaking Changed the Knicks’ Offense
When Randle became New York’s main playmaker, it unlocked their offense:
π Before Randle’s Playmaking:
❌ Knicks were a slow, isolation-heavy team
❌ Lack of ball movement made them predictable
❌ No true point guard to run the offense
π After Randle’s Playmaking Took Over:
✅ Faster pace, more ball movement
✅ More open shots for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley & Jalen Brunson
✅ Became one of the best offensive teams in the East
Randle isn’t just scoring for himself—he’s making everyone better. π―
π Where Does Randle Rank Among Playmaking Bigs?
How does he compare to other playmaking power forwards & centers?
While JokiΔ & Draymond get all the credit as playmakers, Randle is right behind them! π
π What’s Next for Julius Randle?
✅ Can he continue to be the Knicks’ main playmaker?
✅ Will he improve his assist numbers even more?
✅ Can he lead New York to an NBA Finals run?
One thing’s for sure—his playmaking isn’t a “hidden skill” anymore. The NBA knows that Julius Randle is more than just a scorer—he’s an offensive powerhouse. πͺπ
π₯ Final Thoughts: Randle Deserves More Credit!
Julius Randle isn’t just a power forward who can score—he’s a true playmaker who changes the game.
✅ Creates shots for teammates
✅ Runs the Knicks’ offense
✅ One of the best passing bigs in the NBA
So the next time someone says “Randle is just a scorer,” remind them: HE’S ALSO ONE OF THE BEST PASSING BIG MEN IN THE GAME! π―π₯
π¬ What do YOU think? Is Julius Randle an elite playmaker? Drop your thoughts below! ππ₯
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