The New York Knicks Need Chasson Randle

New York Knicks guard Chasson Randle underwent a CT scan, which revealed a left orbital bone fracture. Will he open the season as the third point guard?

As New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose tends to his civil trial in Los Angeles, head coach Jeff Hornacek laid the guidelines for a potential regular-season return to the starting lineup:

Nonetheless, it’s not a given Rose will participate in the scrimmages leading up to the regular-season tip off against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25. The latter scenario extends backup point guard Brandon Jennings’ minutes until further notice.

Guard Chasson Randle suffered a left orbital fracture during practice, which will restrict his activity for three to four weeks:

Despite the injury, Hornacek doesn’t see Randle’s absence as a death blow to his probability of securing a roster spot, per New York Post reporter Zach Braziller:

"We kind of understand what he can give us as a player. It would’ve been nice to see him against [Celtics guard] Isaiah [Thomas] in those two Boston games, see how he can do. But, again, we have a pretty good feel for him. … He’s got a great knack for the game. I’ve been impressed with what he’s done thus far."

Randle put his skills on full display against the Brooklyn Nets on October 8 at Madison Square Garden. He registered 14 points, three steals and two assists in 21 minutes. He also shot 5-of-9 from the field and 3-of-5 behind the arc.

After signing a partially guaranteed contract in August, Randle flashed as a spark plug on the court. He’s a much better scorer than ball distributor, but his play style fits Hornacek’s plan to push the ball at a faster pace. Recently, forward Carmelo Anthony talked about what the young guard brings to the roster, per ESPN’s Ian Begley:

"I love him. I just love his poise out there, the way he controls the game, controls the basketball. He can push the pace. He can slow it down. I think you guys would love him too the more that you see him play."

There’s a consensus about Randle’s ability to potentially lead or finish on a fast break and operate the offense to satisfaction. With Rose’s immediate availability unclear, Randle could return to action and see time on the court early November, especially if the starting point guard misses more time.

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Jennings’ intermittent involvement with the starters leaves ample minutes open for Randle to establish himself as a solid backup when needed. As a score-first guard, the Knicks won’t have to worry about droughts within the second unit. The 23-year-old rookie also plays hard on the defensive end, which likely endears him to Hornacek, who likes a scrappy perimeter defender.

The Knicks head coach understands the team heads into uncharted territory with Rose’s off-court priorities, and it’s best to load up at the position.