I guess I'm in the minority that thinks AR will flourish with a different coach in another system. This kid runs the floor, blocks shots, & plays good help defense. All things we're lacking on the floor right now. And why isn't he playing? IMO it's because he lacks range on his jumper in D'Antoni's system. The point about this kid is he NEEDS minutes to grow as a player. He's only 21 & hasn't had consistent playtime due to injury & whatever else. D'Antoni IMO is not a versatile coach. A good/versatile coach can get the most out his players & play to their strengths. Look at the Knicks in the early to mid 90's. We weren't the most athletic team in the least bit but Riley was able to get the most of of 1 star (Pat Ewing) & a bunch of role players. And if it weren't for Jordan we might have a trophy or two.
A lot of this just doesn't add up. Though Randolph may very well beast if he was on a different team.
You mention the system holding him back. But the opposite would be the case; why every KO member and D'ant himself were so optimistic once we acquired him.
A big with rare speed, athleticism, who can rebound and block shots is the rare big Ssol covets. Plus, he has an adequate jumper w potential, and it's not like underlying shooting potential doesnt flourish under D'ant.
You mention his age, lack of experience and not having been given a shot as reasons for D'ant not playing him n him playing well; and thus D'ant is not versatile n can't get performance out of imperfect or unproven or not offensively refined players. Or he just doesn't give them a chance.
*Fields (hybrid sg/sf 2nd round rookie, state, known for Rebounding n intangibles)
*Moz (7ft no ones heard of Russian project, made n given chance as a starter)
*Turiaf ( career backup big known for hustle n defense, made a starter n given minutes throughout season)
*Williams ( out of work, alienated former 1st rounder now a key player and with a revived career n life)
Those are just the most clear cut examples for our team, not even going back further in D'ant's coach-player development track record.
Clearly it sucks Randolph isn't contributing, but there is a clearly a reasoning ( good r bad) that * isn't* for the reasons most commonly assumed.
It should trouble us further that such an esteemed talent was a throw in for us in letting Lee go to get Amare. That he was let go like he was, n that in turn he has been doghoused r bench ridden since his arrival.
Some players w obviously tremendous talent just can't stay on the court as a legit player and get quality minutes. Desire their broken down per's, or expanded per/minute numbers looking good.
Better examples out there, but Darko is one. His mystery revealed itself over time, n finally, in his own words, grew the **** up and did what he needed to do. Now he is a quality starter for Min.
But look how long it took. He's what? 25? And how much did prior teams (pistons above all else) squander by banking n investing in him.
Our knick franchise right now, w huge spotlight, expectations, young roster, in the heat of a playoff race is just not in a good spot in that regard.
Why he can't get * some* consistent minutes worked in, idk. Likely md doesn't want to throw that bone till ar throws him one by playing solid in practice w good attitude n whenev spot minutes come make the most of them. In a player run league, it's rare to see that, but, could be..