“Julius Randle is not a No. 1 option”: Stephen A Smith breaks down how the Knicks’ Most Improved Player cannot lead a team

NBA Analyst Stephen A Smith breaks down Julius Randle and his playoff performance and claims he isn’t a No. 1 Option on a Championship team

The New York Knicks surprised the entire league with their performance in the regular season. After years of not being able to make it to the post-season, the Knicks shook things up and booked the #4 spot for themselves. Tom Thibodeau and his Knicks impressed the whole basketball world with their impressive showing in the regular season.

However, all that made them successful in the regular season, came apart in the playoffs. Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks proved to be a little too much to handle for Julius Randle and the Knicks.

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Trae was spectacular throughout the series, On the other hand, Randle, who won the Most Improved Player award, seemed to be off his game.

Stephen A Smith gives his take on Julius Randle

Just like countless other Knicks fans, Stephen A Smith was also looking forward to the post-season. However, his dreams were also crushed at the hands of Trae Young.

After the series concluded and the Knicks were out, Stephen A took some time to break down what went wrong. In the latest episode of the First Take, Smith talks about Julius Randle. Randle, who was averaging over 24 points per game in the regular season, couldn’t even match his season average. He averaged 18 points per game in the series while shooting with low efficiency.

“Julius Randle is not a No. 1 option. … Julius Randle is an elite No. 3 option, a quality No. 2 option, but damn sure ain’t a No. 1 option.”

—@stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/aku2KrksGI

— First Take (@FirstTake) June 3, 2021

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Considering this was Randle’s first playoff series ever, he could be given a pass for this season. However, what Smith said applies for the time being. If Randle wants to be the 1st Option, he has to boost his game and elevate it further.