26-year-old Julius Randle is having a career year with the Knicks, averaging 24 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in a season that rewarded him with his first-ever All-Star appearance.
With Randle’s contract set to expire in 2022, his future remains somewhat uncertain. But today, he did elaborate on where he intends to be for the remainder of his career:
“I love playing in New York. I want to retire as a New York Knick,” Randle told The Victory podcast.
“I want to retire a Knick.”
– Julius Randle
(via @victorypod) pic.twitter.com/UtMb5b0aso
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 13, 2021
Randle has led the Knicks to their first playoff appearance since 2013, a feat that came with no shortage of challenges.
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, a rival “superteam” in Brooklyn, and many doubters at their feet, the Knicks were fighting against hellish odds this season.
Head coach Tom Thibedeau, along with Randle, Derrick Rose, and RJ Barrett, has helped transform the team into a respectable unit that might just make a run in the playoffs.
As for Randle specifically, it’s no surprise he has grown attached. Between the wonders of New York City and the glamour of leading the Knicks back to respectability, anybody would be content with that situation.
But it remains to be seen if Randle is a part of New York’s long-term plans. After this surprising season, they might have bigger names in mind…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYUTYzlGasQ
