Stephen A. Smith was not thrilled about Julius Randle’s performance in the Knicks’ 109–101 Game 4 loss to the Heat on Monday night.
Randle finished with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the floor, nine rebounds and six of the New York’s 17 turnovers in the game while also fouling out with 3:08 to play in the final quarter. In addition to Randle fouling out, the Heat outrebounded the Knicks, 44–35, and failed to secure vital defensive rebounds in the final stretch of the game.
During the regular season, the Knicks were No. 3 in the league in rebounding.
After New York fell behind 3–1 in the second-round series following Monday’s game, Smith voiced his frustration about Randle during an episode of First Take on Tuesday
“I think [the Knicks] should trade him [Julius Randle]. ... I’m talking about basketball ability … durability, he’s been Mr. Reliable,” Smith said on the show. “From a talent perspective particularly come playoff time, I’d rather have Karl-Anthony Towns than Julius Randle.”
"I think [the Knicks] should trade [Julius Randle]. ... I'd rather have Karl-Anthony Towns than Julius Randle."
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 9, 2023
😮 @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/ndKx9fabIE
Aside from Smith’s wild take on Randle, he was visibly frustrated, calling it “disgusting” that his beloved Knicks face elimination after dismantling the Cavaliers in the first-round of the playoffs and believing that New York could beat Miami behind the play of Randle, Jalen Brunson and company.
However, the production of Jimmy Butler—even without playing in Game 2 of the series—has been the difference for Miami. The Knicks will seek to keep their season alive in Game 5 on Wednesday at home against the Heat.
Perhaps a strong outing, plus a win for the Knicks, might change Smith’s current thoughts on Randle.
