Julius Randle’s 2023-24 campaign is over. The New York Knicks superstar has been out of action since dislocating his shoulder during a game on January 27. While Randle hoped to return healthy before the playoffs, the Knicks announced he would undergo a season-ending surgery on his shoulder. Despite the heartbreaking update, Randle’s teammate Josh Hart was unfazed by the news and gave an unusual reaction to the media.

When a reporter asked Josh Hart about Julius Randle’s season-ending surgery, he humorously replied, “I feel for us because he just kept us in the wind for two months. Terrible teammate, terrible human being”, with everyone having a chuckle around him. Instead of first empathizing with his teammate, Hart jokingly blamed the Forward for giving the Knicks false hope about his possible return before the playoffs. However, Hart set the jokes aside and said it was unfortunate to see a player’s season end because of an injury.

Hart reminded everyone that Randle was in incredible form before he got injured. He was playing at an All-Star level before his shoulder got dislocated. He got his third All-Star nod earlier this year, averaging 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists. Notably, Randle tried to return before the playoffs but specialists told him he might permanently damage his shoulder if it gets reinjured. So, he had no option left.

“I believe in this team and wanted to give it a try. It didn’t work out, unfortunately. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it was my only option at this point. It wasn’t getting right.” Randle told Bleacher Report. The Knicks have also struggled since Randle’s injury. Jalen Brunson and Co. have barely maintained a 15-14 winning record without the Power Forward this season.

Josh Hart revealed that the primary focus for Randle now is rehab during the off-season and returning healthy for the 2024-25 season. The Knicks said Randle will be re-evaluated in 5 months. As for the Knicks, they will need to re-strategize for the playoffs now that Randle is done for the season.

Josh Hart’s light-hearted nature helps the Knicks in tough times

Many expected Josh Hart to be in a serious mood following the Julius Randle update. But he shocked everyone with his hilarious reply. That is what the former Villanova star brings to the table for the Knicks. Apart from his on-court contribution, his light-hearted nature helps his teammates deal with tragedies. Hart made a similar gesture in January after his teammate Jalen Brunson failed to get selected as an All-Star starter. After Brunson missed his starter spot to Damian Lillard, Hart said this about him, “Yeah, f**kin’ loser.”

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Josh Hart is not the only Knicks player with jokes. Jalen Brunson also tends to take subtle jabs at his teammates. After Donte DiVincenzo signed a deal with the Knicks to join forces with his Villanova teammates, Brunson hilariously tweeted, “Let’s get one thing straight, stop asking me about Josh. Don’t ask about Donte. I don’t like them they’re not my boys. They are coworkers. Nothing more. Thank you.”

The Knicks have faced a lot of adversity this season, with several players, including Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson, dealing with major injuries. But Hart and Brunson’s light-hearted nature has helped them remain the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference despite the injuries. The Knicks have a long road until the playoffs end, and they hope to make a deep run while having some fun.

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