Wearing a gray hooded sweatsuit, Julius Randle sat on the edge of the Knicks’ bench Thursday night for the first time since undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery last month.
Manager Tom Thibodeau pointed to the importance of the three-time All-Star and his team’s ability to eliminate the 76ers in the first round in Game 6 in Philadelphia.
“It was great and I was happy to see him,” Thibodeau said after the win. The second game against the Pacers has now been decided. “I miss his smile. What you’re talking about, people tend to forget because he’s been out of action for a while, but he’s an All-Star, an All-NBA player. We’ve been trying to replace him all season. We’ve always said we can’t do it individually, we have to do it as a team, and that’s what makes this group so great.”
So he’s out, how do we make up for it? We’ve all got to get on the field and work a little harder and play great defense, but that’s what we can do as a team.”
Josh Hart, who has been in the starting lineup since Randle left with a dislocated right shoulder in late January, hit a tying 3-pointer with 25.1 seconds left in Thursday’s shutout win.
Before the game, Hart responded, “Where do I start?”When asked how much the Knicks lost Randle, he said it was a “big void” that people “somehow” have. [forgotten]” Hart also mentioned Randle’s work on “24.” [points]Nine [rebounds] and five [assists]’ will be displayed for each game.
Randle may no longer be able to help the Knicks in the postseason, but at least he can contribute to the team.
He even made several layups in front of the visitors’ bench during a break in the game.
“There are nights when Julius can put up 40 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists. I mean, we’re not replacing that individually,” Thibodeau said. “But it was great to see him. He’s doing well and doing well.”
The 29-year-old Randle, who was rehired by CAA as an agent after briefly moving to WME Sports, is set to sign for next season for $30.3 million (possibly including incentives), worth up to $32.4 million in the 2025-26 season. Comes with player options.
He is eligible for a four-year contract extension worth about $190 million this summer.
