Next season could be a crucial one for Julius Randle’s career. While the Knicks climbed the ladder of success with the rise of Jalen Brunson, the forward was forced to watch from home after being sidelined due to a season-ending shoulder injury. And now that he is expected to make a heroic return, Tom Thibodeau has announced a massive change in his role on the team, “We could see Julius more at the 5.” As a result, NBA legend Kendrick Perkins claims Randle would be up for a huge challenge this year.

Discussing if Julius Randle would be the key to the Knicks’ success next season, Big Perk said, “I do. I also think he’s auditioning.” Yes, despite being a three-time All-Star and a multi-time All-NBA player, Randle has hardly ever played Center in his ten-year career. Moreover, adapting to this new change while his team is under pressure to make a run for the championship will truly put Randle to the test.

More so because while Randle has been eligible for a four-year $181.5 million contract extension since last month, the Knicks have not yet inked the deal with the forward. Maybe, they want to see how he performs following his injury and if he is able to play in Coach Thibs’ system. Assessing Randle’s situation, Perkins remarked on NBA Today, “Down here in the South, you know when you go through some things and you trying to figure it out, those old people used to always say ‘Your faith is gonna get tested.’ Well, this season Julius Randle, his faith is going to get tested.” Thankfully though, Randle has excelled at the five spot once before!

Can Julius Randle excel in Tom Thibodeau’s challenge?

Well, the Knicks had a championship-caliber team last season. But ever since Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson got injured, they were left with a massive void at the Center position and their lack of height proved costly in the playoffs. Sure, Isaiah Hartenstein did his best to keep the team afloat. But the Knicks even lost him in free agency this summer. Therefore, Thibodeau might be left with no option but to play Randle at the Center position, “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.”

While Randle has played most of his career as a power forward, he did play his final season with the Lakers as a Center seven years ago. Surprisingly enough, he was quite productive in that role as he averaged his then career-high 16.1 points and eight rebounds. Sure enough, he was also in the conversation for the Most Improved Player award as he did not miss a single game that season.

With a 6’8 frame, Randle is shorter than most Centers in the league. But he has the skill to grab rebounds and create offense in the post. Moreover, he recently reacted “Worddddd this y’all feel?” after his jersey was nowhere to be seen at a Knicks store. And Perkins believes that feeling could fuel the forward, “It should give him the motivation to come back and be the best version of Julius Randle, but for the Knicks I think that’s gonna be at the five position.” With an opportunity to prove his worth, do you think Randle will be able to step up to the challenge next season?