“It was painful, I’m not going to lie.” Victim four years ago, also of a dislocated shoulder, Jalen Brunson (who had to go through surgery) is obviously worried when asked about the injury to Julius Randle, forced to leave the match against Miami while grimacing.
In the aftermath of this hard blow, and while the first examinations did not reveal any “significant damage” according to ESPN, the Knicks must already prepare for what comes next. While they remain on six victories in a row, the New Yorkers will have to defend their fourth place in the East during the unavailability of Julius Randle, which should be known shortly.
OG Anunoby and Josh Hart in greater demand?
The first challenge takes place this evening in Charlotte, where the Knicks left without their number 30.
“We need everyone”, recalled Tom Thibodeau on Saturday. “During the season, guys are going to get injured. It's part of the sport. The challenge for guys who aren't in the rotation is to be ready. Practices are their games and, at some point, everyone is called upon. We are counting on everyone. That's what we like about our team. The guys are invested in the team and each other. So everyone is capable of doing well.”
OG Anunoby or Josh Hart could share the job at position 4, while Precious Achiuwa could be used more. For Jalen Brunson, compensating for the absence of Julius Randle will be everyone's business.
“Our approach and mentality remains the same as a team. We move on. Our mentality is always to rely on the next player. We must stick together. It’s not necessary for just one person to take over.”
Same story for Isaiah Hartenstein, who thinks his teammates are capable of taking on the challenge.
“We trust everyone. Our luxury is to even have starters on the bench. If someone is out, we have the luxury of having guys who can pick up the slack. Even before Mitchell Robinson got hurt, I knew I was a starter in this league. I know I can't replace him. But we'll see what happens. Julius Randle is an important part of our work, but I have confidence in our players.”
| Julius Randle | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2014-15 | LAL | 1 | 14 | 33.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 |
| 2015-16 | LAL | 81 | 28 | 42.9 | 27.8 | 71.5 | 2.1 | 8.1 | 10.2 | 1.8 | 3.0 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 0.4 | 11.4 |
| 2016-17 | LAL | 74 | 29 | 48.8 | 27.0 | 72.3 | 2.0 | 6.6 | 8.6 | 3.6 | 3.4 | 0.7 | 2.3 | 0.5 | 13.2 |
| 2017-18 | LAL | 82 | 27 | 55.8 | 22.2 | 71.8 | 2.2 | 5.8 | 8.0 | 2.6 | 3.3 | 0.5 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 16.1 |
| 2018-19 | NOP | 73 | 31 | 52.4 | 34.4 | 73.1 | 2.2 | 6.5 | 8.7 | 3.1 | 3.4 | 0.7 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 21.4 |
| 2019-20 | NYK | 64 | 33 | 46.0 | 27.7 | 73.3 | 2.4 | 7.4 | 9.7 | 3.1 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 0.3 | 19.5 |
| 2020-21 | NYK | 71 | 38 | 45.6 | 41.1 | 81.1 | 1.2 | 9.0 | 10.2 | 6.0 | 3.2 | 0.9 | 3.4 | 0.3 | 24.1 |
| 2021-22 | NYK | 72 | 35 | 41.1 | 30.8 | 75.6 | 1.7 | 8.2 | 9.9 | 5.1 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 3.4 | 0.5 | 20.1 |
| 2022-23 | NYK | 77 | 36 | 45.9 | 34.3 | 75.7 | 1.8 | 8.1 | 10.0 | 4.1 | 3.0 | 0.6 | 2.8 | 0.3 | 25.1 |
| 2023-24 | NYK | 46 | 35 | 47.2 | 31.1 | 78.1 | 2.2 | 7.0 | 9.2 | 5.0 | 2.7 | 0.5 | 3.5 | 0.3 | 24.0 |
| Total | 640 | 32 | 47.0 | 33.2 | 74.8 | 2.0 | 7.4 | 9.4 | 3.7 | 3.1 | 0.7 | 2.8 | 0.4 | 19.1 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
