Knicks star Julius Randle denied the reports claiming he asked a trade out of New York. Randle made it clear that he wants to remain a Knick in the post game presser of the 125-114 loss to the Hornets Wednesday.
Randle has reportedly expected to ask out of New York “a la James Harden”, according to NY Post’s Marc Berman.
“I’m cool. My goal and what I work hard for is to make the city proud, to make the fans proud. I play for my teammates, I play for my family It’s as simple as that, bro. Nothing more than that,” he told reporters, via SNY.tv.
“I love the city. My family loves it here. I’m a Knick. That’s what I love. I love being a Knick,” Randle continued.
Randle saw his number going down this season after having entered the All-NBA Second team last season. He led the Knicks to their first postseason appearance since 2013.
He only shot 30 percent from deep this season making the Knicks’ offense more stagnant after hitting a career-high 41 percent from deep last season.
The star forward showed his frustration several times this season. Sometimes it even led to talking to fans and fans booing him back in many games.
Randle thinks that some of his frustration is coming from the Knicks’ faithful conduct in the games and the impact it has on his family.
“That’s probably where most of my frustration comes from… ( referring to his son) loves the game of basketball and he doesn’t understand what’s going on. That’s probably my biggest frustration – coming from him,” Randle said.
However, the Knicks forward understands that the criticism sometimes comes with the territory.
“But at the same time, you have to understand it comes with the territory. The narrative can always flip. I understand that. I understand it’s New York City. I understand how passionate our fans are. You just kind of have to live with the good and the bad.”
The Knicks are having a disappointing year being out of the playoff contention this season. They have hope for making the play-in, but, they will need to win every game and a combination of results from other teams the rest of the way to make it.
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