Thanks for trying, Julius
As a broken team continues to strive, Julius Randle announces he's having season-ending surgery
On Thursday, the New York Knicks announced that All-NBA and 2x Knicks All-Star Julius Randle would have season-ending shoulder surgery. Randle dislocated his shoulder on January 27. In all that time, Randle fought to come back, to join his team for the playoffs.
In an interview over the phone with Chris Haynes, Randle said,
"I want everyone to know that I did everything in my power to get back this season. That was my intention, to be playing right now. That's why I didn't opt for surgery when it happened. But what caused me to finally go through with getting surgery was about five weeks ago, I went through a full-contact session in pads and re-injured my shoulder. My s--t wasn't stable. I felt like I was in the same state when I first dislocated it, and It's been an uphill battle ever since. Choosing to get surgery was my only option at this point. It's frustrating, but I'm at peace knowing I tried everything."
Until that injury on January 27, Randle had another All-Star, All-NBA season. In the top 20 on NBA.com for January 2024, Randle averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and five assists. He also averaged 47.2% from the field, 31.1% from beyond the arc and 78.1% from free. There was no need to add his turnover percentage…we all know Randle gon’ Randle.
You will undoubtedly be missed, Julius. Most fans will be grateful for your brave attempt to return to your team, although most knew you needed that surgery in January. But hey, what do we know? Now is the time to have your surgery, recover, and rehab. Most importantly, keep your eyes on being ready for next season.
In the meantime
In the meantime, the Knicks had to persevere. Next man up is their motto. Mitchell Robinson was injured (at this point, it was thought Robinson was out for the season). Unfortunately, it was also announced that newcomer O.G. Anunoby had injured his elbow. No Robinson, no Randle, no Anunoby.
I wrote a piece on who would have to step up now. One of the people was Josh Hart.
Next man up
Since Randle and Anunoby went down, several team members have stepped up to have Jalen Brunson’s back. But none like Hart. In my opinion, that is.
Josh Hart
Since the All-Star break, Hart has averaged 12.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. In March, he had four triple-double games. He’s had five games with 15 or more rebounds, eight or more with ten or more rebounds, and out of those, there was an 18 and two 19 rebound games.
Hart is gritty. In most games in March, Hart played up to 48 minutes a game. He plays with the intensity of someone who is tireless and single-minded. On the offensive end, he gets the ball in the freaking hoop, and if not, gets the rebound and tries again. On the defensive end, he will tear down the rebound and have scored on the other end before his opps know what hit them.
I would say Hart is doing his part and then some.
Miles “Deuce” McBride
Sometimes, before he even releases the shot, the Garden crowd yells, “Deeeuuuccceee.” From the end of the Knicks bench comes a sharpshooter in training.
Deuce averaged 35.53 minutes in March and played 40+ minutes in nine of those games. But where did the three-point sharpshooter come from? I knew of your football prowess, but this?
In five games in March, Deuce averaged over 50% from three-point range, four over 60%. His total average from three for March was 44.6%. Miles reached his career-high 29 points twice in March. On March 27, Deuce drained nine threes, reaching his career-high 29 points for a second time.
And his defense… it’s my opinion that he is the Knicks’ best defensive weapon. He is always guarding the most unguardable and being successful. Let’s say for a myriad of reasons, the Knicks should be happy you’re there.
Jalen Brunson
What does one say about this man? One thing is, the Knicks can’t win without him. Simple. If Randle, Anunoby, and Robinson were all in tip-top playoff shape, this team could not win without their floor general. As it stands now, the Knicks are tied for fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and have not fallen past fifth since Randle has been out. The team flirted with the third seed for half a day…
But do you understand what I’m saying? With his entire frontcourt—which included the NBA’s offensive rebounding juggernaut, an All-Defensive team member, and a two-time All-Star, All-NBA player, a powerful power forward—out…being saddled with two old players with so-called offensive prowess and no defense… the Knicks are still the scrappiest, most punishing, and physical team in the NBA.
They are 10th in the League…yes, the Knicks are a top-ten team in the National Basketball Association! Say that! And they are led by a 6’2” giant. You hear that, Hammon!
Brunson is fourth in the NBA with 28 points per game and 12th in assists. There can be no other “Most Valuable Player” on any team than he. As I said, he averages 28 per game, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. Brunson averages 47.7% from the field, 39.5% from three, and 84.2% from the line.
Miss Tee on Basketball - the New York Knicks
Just because they weren’t showcased, the other Knicks also worked their asses off during this time, and I want to shout out:
Isaiah Hartenstein - IHart is sixth in rebounding in the NBA. He has earned the spot of starting center. A free agent at the end of the season, the Knicks have a decision to make.
Donte DiVincenzo—DDV is third in three-pointers made this season, behind Curry and Doncic. Congrats, Paisan!
Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa held things together at the center position when IHart needed relief. With Robinson back in the lineup, they may not have as much playing time, but the gratitude of the Knicks fans is always there.
On another note, the Nets are considering Johnnie Bryant as their Head Coach. Hands off, Brooklyn!
Robinson and Anunoby are back. There are five games left. At Milwaukee, Chicago, and Boston, they return home versus Brooklyn and end the season on Sunday the 14th at home against Chicago. All in all, it’s been a season to remember. But it’s not over yet… so until next time…