In New York City, Julius Randle is working hard to regain his All-Star form. After the Knicks finished another abysmal season, Randle was called out by fans, experts, and the media for his role in the team’s poor performance.
Now, he’s doubling down on his body and ensuring he enters next season in the best condition possible.
On Saturday, Randle raised some eyebrows for a recent picture he took at the gym with some of his teammates. Fans couldn’t help but notice Randle’s, particularly chiseled physique…
Julius Randle. 💪
(h/t @NBA_NewYork) pic.twitter.com/KyqZrM8ivn
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 4, 2022
Randle, 27, was the best version of himself during the 2020-21 campaign when he averaged 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 6 assists per game on 45.6% shooting. This past season, his numbers were down all across the board, and the Knicks failed to even make the playoffs.
Despite reports about wanting out, he has only ever vocalized support for the franchise and denied the notion that he was ready for a change of scenery:
Amidst all the troubles, rumors had emerged that Randle requested to be traded away from the Knicks this off-season, as the Knicks anyway look to pay R.J. Barrett his rookie extension. However, Randle has come out and vociferously denied these claims to Ian Begley.
Julius Randle asked about unconfirmed WFAN report that stated he asked management for a trade after Monday’s game vs. CHI: “That’s just not true bro, it’s just not true. It’s just as simple as that.”
Randle is owed over $100 million over the next few years, and it remains to be seen if how the Knicks are feeling about that situation.
Whatever the case, Randle is the team’s best player and his success can lead to a lot of great fortune for the franchise. If his new body is a hint of anything to come, New Yorkers should be feeling optimistic about his development.
