Julius Randle’s fallout with the New York Knicks organization and its fans has come as a total surprise for a player that earned the respect and admiration of everybody last season. The Knickerbockers have struggled to emulate their 2020/21 season, and Randle has received plenty of criticism for his performances.
The former All-Star had some harsh to say to Knicks fans, showing his disapproval of certain comments and behavior he sensed by some fans. The relationship isn’t good right now, and this marriage could end soon, as Randle stopped following the Knicks.
Meanwhile, he’s earning plenty of criticism and one of the Knicks’ most famous and passionate fans charged against the former Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans player. Stephen A. Smith compared Randle to Kyrie Irving, another controversial player in New York, but clarifying Julius wasn’t at the same level as the 2016 NBA champion.
“All you have to do is take the ball, attack or dish, attack or dish. He out there acting like he Kyrie. He don’t have those kind of skills. He’s a one-armed bandit. He’s a modern-day Clyde Drexler, but you ain’t on that level. When it’s like that, pass the ball. And that’s what he is not doing and the attitude problem.
“Of course, (the Knicks) should entertain trading him,” Smith said on Thursday’s edition of NBA Today.
Everything points out that Randle’s days in the big apple are numbered. The Knicks have been linked with a move for De’Aaron Fox, Russell Westbrook, and more players. Julius could be used in any of these moves now that the trade deadline is getting closer.
In 50 games, he’s averaging 18.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists, while shooting 41.4% from the field and 30.3% from beyond the arc. Last season, he posted 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. He shot 45.6% from the field and 41.1% from deep. His regression is incredible, and perhaps a change of air could be what he needs right now.
Is any team interested in acquiring his services with a hefty contract? Time will tell.
