The infamous pre-season trades from the New York Knicks turned out to be one of the highlights of the season. NY traded multiple picks to rope in Mikal Bridges, before trading Julius Randle for Karl-Anthony Towns.
Fast forward to today, the situation has been rather splendid for the two teams, with both of them making it to their respective Conference Finals. Amid this, does Randle miss playing alongside their former teammates?
Julius Randle Goes Witty With A Nostalgic Question
After the thrilling T-wolves win on Saturday, the media asked Randle about being in touch with his former Knicks teammates.
He had nothing but a witty response to this. He said, “I wouldn’t tell you if I did”.
"I wouldn't tell you if I did." 😂
Randle when asked if he's been in contact with his former Knick teammates during the Conference Finals. pic.twitter.com/uHagNOIJ0H
— NBA TV (@NBATV)
Missing and staying in touch with teammates, no matter the on-court chemistry, is a valid concern for every player. As for Randle, he avoided the question without sowing seeds of any doubts or negativity.
Even as he gels with his new teammates in Minnesota, his connections and long-due friendships in New York might still have a place in his heart.
Randle Making It Count in Minnesota
Randle’s trade to the Timberwolves was a gamble, if nothing else. Julius Randle was always a regular-season All-Star with a history of playoff struggles. He did have a tough time in New York, but still managed to make an impact in his own way.
Otherwise a powerful performer, his first stinker in the recent past was Game 3 of the playoffs, when he even managed to get benched in the last quarter. But he got his rhythm back soon and jumped in to hit two buckets for the T-wolves’ first four points. He took a break and came back to his old self.
Randle finished his night with 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting, four rebounds, three assists, and no turnovers. So far, looking at his performance, one cannot just see growth; one can easily spot a whole new player.
A beloved player on the Knicks roster, Randle integrated himself into the fabric of Minnesota rather quickly, taking up the role of a secondary scorer, behind Anthony Edwards, gracefully. He’s now having one of the most efficient seasons of his career this time around.
One reason for this sudden transformation could be that he just fits better here. He even has a great coach, moulding him into a different on-court personality. He always had the ability to dominate, not that capability was a question, ever.
The trade that got him to Minnesota was definitely a blockbuster trade that 100% worked out for both sides. Even KAT has managed to invest himself fully into the Knicks’ agenda. As a result, the Knicks are finally in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
Timberwolves, on the other hand, are back in contention for a second straight year, with more experience under their belt.
