The New York Knicks will wrap up their 2021-22 season with a home matchup against the Toronto Raptors. This is a season that New York fans hope to forget. Almost everything went wrong and the Knicks failed to make the playoffs despite somewhat lofty expectations.
Knicks president of basketball operations Leon Rose gave a rare interview to discuss the team's failures. In the 1-on-1 interview with MSG Network commentator Mike Breen, he discussed Julius Randle, whose worsened play and uninspired behavior have made him seem much less like the franchise's future.
Rose said that Randle wants to stay with the Knicks and touted his stats. He also admitted that his emotions affected his play and that he wasn't comfortable with the burden he was carrying for the team.
Leon Rose breaks silence on MSG Network: "Julius is passionate player and feels some of his emotions "effected his play.'' Rose mentions Randle still averaged a 20-10-5 but he "wasn't as comfortable and carried a big burden.'' Says he "wants to be in New York.''
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) April 10, 2022
Randle did indeed stuff the stat sheet but his shooting efficiency, defense and overall impact on the game tanked. He looked out of control way more often than last year. He went so far as to tell fans to shut up and has shown less effort and unity this season compared to last season. Although he is not the sole reason the Knicks failed this season, he is the one that will be cited the most.
The Knicks' concern with Randle started before the season even began. Throughout the course of the season, he didn't make them feel any better. His four-year, $117 million contract kicks in starting next season. Rose will have to figure out how to get the most out of him or trade him.
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