Julius Randle Was Never the Knicks' Savior: Unchecked

Julius Randle is getting a thumbs down from Knicks fans for his performance this season.

Julius Randle is getting a big thumbs down from Knicks fans and I understand why. But here’s the thing … he was never that guy. 

The Knicks did not make Julius Randle available to media after the game. Seventh straight game Randle has not spoken to media postgame. He spoke to reporters after a practice during that time.

— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) January 21, 2022

Randle isn’t doing himself any favors by continuing to dodge media availability, as his 4-point performance in a loss to the Pelicans saw him skip out on doing press for the seventh straight game. And that market is going to demand accountability from the current face of the franchise. However, Randle is simply not cut out for that role. 

this is such a crazy headline lol https://t.co/r0yYxGNRnx

— Joshua (@jr_xxi) January 21, 2022

In a way, the inspiring season he and the Knicks had last year is coming back to bite him. I can’t recall a team ever being so much better than my expectations nor a player outperforming what I thought he was capable of to such a degree. But things have normalized across the league and both he and the Knicks are back to reality. 

Umm, NO!!!!!! Julius Randle has not played like an allstar this season. Try again next year. https://t.co/84YxUxPope

— Robert Currence (@Knickstape2005) January 21, 2022

Randle’s three-point shooting has regressed by over 10% and so has some of the shot-making he displayed during his breakout performances given he’s hitting just 41% from the floor overall. 

Julius Randle tonight:

4 PTS
1-9 FG
-26 (worst on team)

The Knicks lost to the 17-28 Pelicans at home. pic.twitter.com/p0BEchYweK

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 21, 2022

Combine that with his penchant for tunnel vision and heavy isolation play and it’s easy to see why the Knicks currently sit below even the play-in. Not exactly what they thought they were getting for $20 million. And I’d imagine many are more upset by his body language than they are his salary cap hit.

This was not cool by Julius Randle I don’t care how frustrated you are, you don’t do that to one of your teammates in front of everybody. pic.twitter.com/9rJAcjW5qW

— Bankai 🇪🇨🇵🇷 (@New_Tape_City) January 21, 2022

Which leaves some of the most passionate fans in the world back to Madison Square one with Bing-Bong becoming ping pong again.