USA Today via Reuters
Jan 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) gestures after making a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) gestures after making a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks have not had a successful season so far. Unlike last year, the Knicks sit below the 0.500 mark and continue to drop games as they move towards the All-Star break. One reason behind the Knicks’ poor performance is their frontman, Julius Randle. In comparison to the previous season, Randle’s scoring has dropped significantly.
Added to this is the consistent criticism that he faces as a unidirectional player. One such piece of criticism was provided by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, where he blasted Randle’s attitude and style of play, claiming that the star forward needs to be traded.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) reacts after making a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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Stephen A. Smith criticizes Knicks’ Randle
With the Knicks struggling for momentum, Stephen A. Smith did not hold back the comments on Randle. He compared the star to Kyrie Irving and even mentioned that the Knicks should trade for him.
Stephen A Smith blasts Julius Randle and says the Knicks should trade him
“He out there acting like he Kyrie. He don't have those kind of skills. He's a one-armed bandit.”https://t.co/HKY5LLfkCX
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) February 5, 2022
“He out there acting like Kyrie. He don’t have those kind of skills. He’s a one-armed bandit,” said Smith.
Smith’s criticism of Randle was in line with what fans and critics presently feel about him – he only goes left, which led to the Kyrie Irving comparison. As per Stephen A. Smith, Randle should use his size to either attack the rim or pass the ball, since dribbling and shooting from distance is not his forte.
Julius Randle this Season
Unlike the 2020-21 season, Randle has only averaged 18.5 points. This is about 6 points lesser than what he did the season prior in order to carry the Knicks into the playoffs. After the previous season, fans were finally happy that New York was on the map as a playoff team. But those hopes look grim this season, especially with the way Randle has dipped in form.
Playing consistently in one direction makes you predictable for the defense. Unlike Kyrie, Randle does not possess the speed and ball-handling ability to go both ways. But what he does have is size and strength.
This is what Stephen A. feels that Randle should take advantage of. If the Knicks do look to trade their star, they will need a franchise centerpiece in return. Without such a player, the Knicks could fall back to their old times, thereby leaving fans unhappy once again.
READ MORE: “Sounds Like Gossip to Me”: Julius Randle Reacts to Rumors About Knicks Trading Him
