The word most often associated with Anthony Randolph is potential. But potential is not tangible.

Randolph, the Knicks’ 21-year-old, 6-10 forward is indeed a tantalizing blend of height, length and skill. He was the primary piece for the Knicks in executing a sign and trade this past summer that saw David Lee, debatably the franchise’s most popular player among the fans over the last half-decade, relocated to the Golden State Warriors.

In the transaction, the Knicks also received center Ronny Turiaf and guard Kelena Azubuike, who has yet to play this season as he recovers from knee surgery. When Lee made his emotional return to New York last night (Wednesday) as the 5-2 Warriors faced the 3-3 Knicks, he was averaging a solid 12.3 points and 11.4 rebounds in 33.9 minutes per outing.

In contrast, Randolph has not found a comfort zone with his new team. He missed the first three games this season with a sprained left ankle. Since returning, Randolph’s nerves and desire to show he can be a major contributor to a team that desperately needs him to approach double-double status on a nightly basis got the best of him.

Currently in his third year out of LSU, Randolph’s statistics – 8.3 minutes, 1.7 points and 4.0 rebounds – do not reflect capabilities.

“He’s probably going little fast,” assessed Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni. “You can see the talent and we’ll work with him. And if he can keep improving, which I think he is doing, then {his minutes will increase}.”

“I just need to settle in and I’ll be alright,” said Randolph following his second game with the Knicks, a 112-91 win over the Wizards.

“I felt good during training camp and the preseason. This is just a small obstacle. I know I can be a factor,” he maintained after his 2009-10 season ended in January due torn ligaments in the left ankle that limited him to only 33 games in his sophomore campaign.

The Knicks have two essential reasons for Randolph to emerge as one of their best players: First, he can be the X factor in their playoff aspirations. Secondly, he can establish himself as an enticing piece to a possible trade with the Denver Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony.

For now, the former is the Knicks and Randolph’s main focus.