Stephen A. Smith is emotional after the loss of Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle.
The “First Take” host learned during Thursday’s broadcast that Randle would undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, and his reaction was predictably dramatic.
Smith, who held his head in his hands before slamming his desk repeatedly in disgust, went on a rant about his beloved Knicks as theatrical music played in the background.
“[The Knicks were] 24-9 [on] 47% shooting rate, OG Anunoby arrives. [after a trade with the Raptors in December 2023] And they hit their best record in January,” Smith said.
The ESPN personality was referring to a happier period when the Knicks were on a roll until Randle dislocated his right shoulder against the Miami Heat on Jan. 27.
Smith said he believes the Knicks are in great position to make a strong postseason run with a healthy Randle.
“Sometimes it looks like a suspect from Milwaukee, sometimes it looks like a suspect from Miami. [Sixers star center] Joel Embiid injured [knee]” said Smith. “They had a chance to get to the conference finals against Boston and this happened.
“You can’t make it up, dude. Just go, just go,” he concluded, dropping his head into his hands again.
Randle will be re-evaluated in five months. announced by the Knicks before Thursday’s game against the Kings.
The three-time All-Star has not played since sustaining a non-shooting shoulder injury.
He returned to training last month while rehabbing an injury but was not given medical clearance for contact.
In late February, Randle, 29, said he was feeling well and was aiming to return by the end of the regular season, but did not rule out surgery.
“Let’s see. There are still steps that need to be taken. It’s all a process. Ultimately you have to weigh everything and decide from there,” Randle said at the time. “But right now, I’m just focused on avoiding that.” [surgery]Of course, I want to get back on the court as soon as possible.”
The Knicks are 15-14 in 29 games without Randle.
They need Anunoby to compete in the Eastern Conference and make the playoffs, but Anunoby suffered an elbow injury that required surgery in January.
The 26-year-old NBA champion is likely to miss his ninth straight game on Thursday.
The Knicks (44-31) are currently in fifth place in the East, while Sacramento is in eighth place in the West.
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Josh Hart (wrist) are listed as questionable for the Knicks.
