(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
After getting a boost from talented point guard Jalen Brunson last season and reaching the second round of the NBA playoffs, the New York Knicks were hoping to take it to another level during the 2023-24 campaign.
Eight games into the 2023-24 regular season, the Knicks have been up and down, as they’ve looked good, like a mediocre team thus far in the Eastern Conference.
One of the main reasons for the team’s inability to reach its true potential so far this season has been the poor play of veteran forward Julius Randle, who has had a forgettable start to the year, to say the least.
Randle has been criticized left and right for his play this season, as he is shooting an abysmal 31.6% from the floor, which is actually somewhat improved from where he was a few games ago.
With Knicks fans giving Randle all he can handle in terms of criticism, the veteran forward chose to fire back at his critics by claiming that he’s still working his way back from offseason ankle surgery, via Fred Katz of The Athletic.
Julius Randle says he’s still working back from ankle surgery: “To think that I would come into this season and just be Julius off the bat is kinda naive…I’m just thankful for guys like RJ, guys like Jalen; they’ve been able to carry the load while I get back”
Full quote here: pic.twitter.com/Sjp0SJacgy
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) November 10, 2023
Along with taking a shot at the fans for giving him grief for his poor play to start the season, Randle did give some much-needed recognition to two teammates in particular.
Randle praised the job that Brunson and RJ Barrett have done, shouldering the load while he works through his slump and trying to get his body back to 100% for the rigors of this 82-game NBA regular season and a potentially deep run in the NBA playoffs.
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