While the New York Knicks were the slowest team in 2020/21 (30th in possession per game), they were still 29th in the NBA last year. How come ? Because Tom Thibodeau likes to control the game of his teams, which have always had slow rhythms, but also because he has never found a reliable leader, capable of restarting quickly without making too many mistakes.
The manager hopes that Jalen Brunson’s arrival will solve this problem. If the former Dallas Mavericks is as efficient and confident as hoped, he will be opening up a lot for the “Big Apple” franchise, which can play faster. This is what Julius Randle expects, who lost weight this summer to run and play at a higher pace.
“This is how the game evolves,” says the strong forward. “There are so many more possessions, you start with a lot of points. So it’s just the way the championship is going and an adjustment that everyone has to make. I want to adapt and play faster, play with and without the ball. For me, being in good form is always the most important thing. I’m proud of it. Every year I try to look back and see how I can adapt to be better, play faster and be efficient. “
This year could therefore also concern the release of the ball to Julius Randle, accustomed to playing so many isolations since his arrival in New York.
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