Knicks’ Julius Randle Could See More Minutes at Center in 2024-25 NBA Season, HC Says

The New York Knicks are lacking some depth at the center position, but it sounds like star forward Julius Randle will help pick up the slack.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau told Steve Ashburner of NBA.com that Randle will likely see time at center throughout the 2024-25 season.

“We could see Julius more at the 5,” Thibodeau said. “I don’t want to do that for long stretches, it would take its toll, but to have him do it for 10 or 15 minutes, I think he can do it well. He also would create a lot of [offensive] advantages.”

The Knicks’ depth took a hit when they lost center Isaiah Hartenstein to free agency after he chose to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Veteran center Mitchell Robinson will maintain his status as the starter, but he’s working his way back from two ankle surgeries that cost him 50 regular-season games and most of New York’s postseason run last year.

The team maintained some size by re-signing Precious Achiuwa and giving a training camp contract to veteran forward Marcus Morris. However, neither of them is a true center.

While Randle typically does most of his work from the power forward position, lineups with him at the center position could be effective for the revamped Knicks. The team acquired Mikal Bridges and re-signed OG Anunoby, creating one of the best wing combinations in the league. Along with star point guard Jalen Brunson and key reserves Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart, the Knicks will have a ton of talent on the floor at all times.

Randle has averaged five or more assists in three of the last four seasons, so moving him to center could allow him to play the role that Draymond Green played for the Golden State Warriors with their famed “Death Lineup.” He would be an effective distributor who can open up opportunities for New York’s three-point shooters.

The Knicks could suffer slightly on defense with Randle at center, but the benefit on offense would be too great to ignore. If the team can stay healthy, fans in New York will be in for some exciting basketball during the upcoming campaign.