Knicks Have Concerns About Julius Randle Following Ejection

The Knicks are concerned about Julius Randle‘s “overall psyche” after a season-long series of incidents that included an ill-timed ejection Friday night, a source tells Marc Berman of The New York Post.

Randle had 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes when he was tossed from the game with 2:40 left in the third quarter following an altercation with the Suns’ Cameron Johnson. Both players received technical fouls, and Randle got a second technical for making contact with an official who was trying to separate them. The Knicks were leading at the time, but wound up losing when Johnson banked in a three-pointer at the buzzer, giving New York its 17th defeat in the last 20 games.

Coach Tom Thibodeau admitted afterward that Randle used bad judgment, saying, “You can’t cross over that line. You’ve got to know where to stop.’’ 

The ejection was the latest incident involving Randle this season, Berman notes, a list that includes giving a “thumbs-down” gesture to fans at Madison Square Garden and repeated battles with referees and assistant coaches.

The source tells Berman that Randle didn’t report to training camp in top physical condition like he did last season when he was named Most Improved Player and was a second-team All-NBA selection.

There are also theories that he’s jealous of RJ Barrett, who has surpassed him as the team’s top star. Berman points out that Randle has skipped the player introductions during the last six road games, although he still participates at home.

Asked on Friday if he was concerned about Randle’s well-being, Thibodeau responded, “I’m concerned about everything.”

Randle’s behavior is potentially a long-term concern for the franchise considering that he received a four-year, $117MM extension during the offseason, including a player option in 2025/26. If the Knicks decide to try to trade him this summer, they’ll likely have to take back at least one bad contract in return.

View Comments (90)