A transformed Julius Randle can close Celtics gap after Knicks’ playoff success: Kenny Smith

Kenny Smith has come around on Jalen Brunson. But he believes the Knicks still need another player to meaningfully close the gap on the Celtics — and that player is a transformed Julius Randle.

“I think Julius Randle is good enough to be that,” Smith told The Post at the NBL Next Stars, held at the Peak Event Space at EDGE in Hudson Yards. “I think the best thing to happen is for Julius to get hurt and see that some of the responsibility he thought he needed to have, he doesn’t. And some of the responsibility he couldn’t take, he should. And so his game will change next year. And I think it will make him a much better player.”

The implication from Smith, who is also the Director of Player Initiatives for the National Basketball League in Australia, was that Randle watched the Knicks’ success without him and should’ve been humbled into a lesser role.

Randle, who hasn’t played since January because of a dislocated shoulder, averaged 24 points and nine rebounds before the injury.

The three-time All-Star said recently he’s “ahead of schedule” with his surgery recovery and will be ready for the start of next season.

The Knicks were eliminated in the conference semis after a flood of injuries, and, barring a seismic trade, their most compelling argument for contention is better health from Randle and OG Anunoby.