Julius Randle "Most Likely" Out for the Rest of the Season

 

It has been a strange season for the New York Knicks and Julius Randle in specific. After placing fourth in the 2020-2021 season the Knicks find themselves out of contention for the 2021-2022 playoffs. Randle has not been himself this season after earning the most improved player award in 2021, which earned him a massive contract extension coming into the year. Not surprisingly, coach Tom Thibodeau says that Randle will "most likely be out the rest of the way," including the game against the Cavaliers. 

Tom Thibodeau said Julius Randle is out for tomorrow’s game in Orlando, too, and “most likely will be out the rest of the way."

— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) April 2, 2022

The Knicks were eliminated from this year's playoffs contention after the Atlanta Hawks won their game against the Cavaliers on Wednesday night, keeping them out of the 10th spot for a possible play-in.

It has been a tough season for Randle in New York which even sparked trade rumors at one point, but Randle has not hinted at a forced trade from the Knicks. However, it will be interesting to see how Randle and the Knicks move forward next season. The most improved player averaged 24 points per game last year and only 20 this season. At one point, his struggles on the court led to frustrations and a fine of $40,000 for hostile language at an official after a loss to Utah. 

The talent level is still there for Randle who also earned second-team All-NBA honors last season. The 27-year-old will look to bounce back after a disappointing third season with the Knicks.