Knicks’ Julius Randle doesn’t care about outside criticism

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The two games Julius Randle missed while stuck in COVID-19 protocols have spoken loudly about what he means for the Knicks.

His revenge on his return can be even stronger.

In a 30-point explosion to help the Knicks secure a victory over the Pacers on Tuesday, Randle recalled his 2020-21 All-Star breakout season, and at a level rarely seen this season. There have been more screams than whispers about his regression, and some have seen him enter health and safety guidelines as a way to give Obi Toppin more Power Minutes.

While claiming that he doesn’t pay attention to any outside criticism, Randle confirmed that he has heard the outside criticism.

To be fair, really don’t give away what anyone has to say, Randle said after training at Tarrytown on Wednesday. I am outside playing. No one knows the game better than I do, compared to what everyone else has to say.

So I really don’t give like – t. I’m just going over there and playing.

Julius Randle NY Position: Charles Wenzelberg

After the Knicks’ 104-94 victory on Tuesday, Randle declined to speak to the media. It is unclear what specifically upset the Knicks’ offensive fulcrum, but as the issues built up for an average 18-20 year-old team that was seeded four in the Eastern Conference last season the forks turned to the $ 117 million star.

It probably didn’t help that while Randle was making free throws in the second half on Tuesday, RJ Barrett’s chants emanated from the Garden crowd. Those voices had often rained MVP cries out when Randle took free kicks last season.

When asked if he felt underrated, Randle said the right people like him.

This is for you guys [media] judge. My teammates like me, my coaches, my organization, Randle said before referring to the Knicks team president, senior basketball advisor and head coach, respectively. Leon [Rose], We s [William Wesley], Thib [Tom Thibodeau]. Everyone appreciates me. This is all I need.

Julius Randle, driving Oshae Brissett, scored 30 points in the Knicks’ victory over the Pacers. NY Post: Charles Wenzelberg

Still, Randle must have felt partly justified when the Knicks weren’t competitive in the two games without him at Oklahoma City and Toronto last weekend and lost by 30 points combined. While the top-flight Toppin provided consistent energy and scored 19 points in Toronto, the Knicks were a different team without Randle.

The only thing that matters is what we think, Thibodeau said of the 27-year-old, who now sees the flip side of stardom. When a team wins, everyone is recognized. And being in the role he’s playing, he’s probably more to blame than he should be.

Critics would be quieter and Randle would be appeased if he continued to play the way he did in his first out of protocols contest.

After Barrett played in the first half, Randle resumed the second, in which he shot 7 for 11 and grabbed nine of his 16 rebounds, resembling the rare combination of agility and strength that elevated his status last season.

All of his numbers are down after his one year career, his shooting percentage has dropped from 45.6 to 42.3, and his over-the-arc accuracy has dropped from 41.1% to 32.7.

On Tuesday he shot 2 on 7 at 3 points, but connected on a range of tough shots at mid-range which is where he plays best. He was attacking more and had the boards, which Thibodeau said he enjoyed. He has looked rejuvenated, which is what the Knicks will need at the Garden on Thursday against the Celtics, especially with Derrick Rose out and Kemba Walker likely out.

Before Randles tested positive for COVID-19, who ruled him out from last Thursday, his first step seemed slower and his body appeared battered. Randle said he did not have symptoms of the coronavirus, although he did feel ill weeks ago.

Thibodeau admitted after the Knicks’ victory in Detroit on December 29 that Randle had been injured. While Randle said he was able to train every day in his 40s, it’s possible the free time helped more than it hurt.

Sometimes a few days off is what you need, Thibodeau said of Randle, who led the NBA in minutes played last season. If you’re looking for a silver lining, this was probably it.

Another silver lining could have been the extra time Randle was given to absorb what people are writing and saying about him.

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