'Too Proud to Sit!' Julius Randle Refused Rest Amidst New York Knicks' Struggles
There's no rest for the wicked ... and not for Julius Randle either.
A report from Stefan Bondy of the New York Post indicates that the New York Knicks attempted to rest their two-time All-Star amidst his early struggles and lingering aftershocks of the ankle injury that diluted his impact in last year's playoffs.
Randle, however, well-known for eschewing the concept of load management, resisted the Knicks' attempts to sit him and played at what a source described to Bondy as "70 percent" of his strength. His resurgence over the past two games, sources claim, comes as he gets closer to full health.
“He’s too proud to sit,” another source says in the Post's report.
Randle has gotten back on track after a slow start
Brad Penner-USA Today Sports
Over the first six games, Randle averaged only 13.7 points on 27.1 percent from the field, ranking last among all qualified shooters in that latter category. New York posted a 2-4 record over its first six, the latter two losses coming with RJ Barrett out due to knee soreness.
In the past two contests, both Knicks victories, Randle has resembled last year's form that guided the Knicks to 47 victories and their first playoff series triumph in a decade. In that couple, Randle has earned a combined 50 points and has a shot a far more respectable 42.5 percent from the field.
As the load management debate has become one of the NBA's most recurring talking points, the concept has not affected Randle's minutes. Since a tibia injury cost him all but one game of his rookie season, Randle has missed just 37 games over the ensuing nine seasons (including the last five of last year's). Since the 2015-16 campaign, only eight more players have earned more minutes than Randle.
Randle will likely return to his usual spot in the Knicks' starting five on Sunday afternoon when New York closes a three-game homestand against the Charlotte Hornets (12 p.m. ET, MSG).
