Image via WikipediaAnthony Randolph, the Knicks' most heralded acquisition besides Amare Stoudemire this summer, will enter training camp unsure of his role. Will he start or provide that spark off the bench?
The Knicks haven't figured it out yet.
Assuming that Randolph is still a member of the Knicks when training camp begins (the Knicks’ desperate desire for Rudy Fernandez has dragged Randolph’s name into the rampant rumors), he will be battling Ronny Turiaf for a spot in the starting lineup.
While the question may not be who the better player is, Randolph will have to prove he is a better fit next to Stoudemire out the gate, as opposed to the defensive-minded Turiaf.
Randolph already has a lot to live up to. Many have been forecasting him as the NBA’s breakout star this season. Whether or not he can live up to his potential in front of the critical New York City media (not to mention dealing with the tremendous pressure of helping the Knicks return to the playoffs) remains to be seen.
Randolph’s lengthy figure does help him guard different body types on defense,. However, that same lengthy figure would force Amare Stoudemire to play center, a move that weakens the Knicks defensively.
Randolph would add more firepower to Coach D’Antoni’s offensive punch, but with Stoudemire already starting next to the likes of Raymond Felton and Danilo Gallinari, that added firepower may be better suited leading the second unit off the bench.
Although Randolph’s offense would undoubtedly be a boost off the bench, so would Turiaf’s intense defense. As Turiaf stands to receive anywhere from 20-30 minutes per game regardless, the Knicks may be better off firing from all cylinders on offense (with Randolph starting) to begin the game in order to get ahead quickly.
If Randolph can find his niche and elevates his game like expected under D’Antoni, the minutes (and perhaps a starting spot) will certainly come his way.
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