Stephen A. Smith Breaks Down on ‘First Take’, Grieves Knicks Star Julius Randle’s Injury Update

The New York Knicks were on the cusp of something great. However, like a whirlwind, two out of their three major players got injured in the middle of the season. Despite that, the Knicks’ hopes were alive and well as they held on to the third seed. Tragedy still occurred on the Knicks as the final nail in their playoff hopes came in the form of Julius Randle‘s season-ending update.

Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news stating, “Randle will undergo season-ending right shoulder surgery, sources tell ESPN.” Amid New York’s heartbreak, Stephen A Smith broke down mourning the loss of their stellar season sequentially on ‘First Take’. ” OG Anunoby arrives; they achieved the best record in the month of January. They have an opportunity with Milwaukee looking suspect, Miami looking suspect at times. Joel Embiid injured,” said Smith.

He further added, “They had a chance to get to the Conference finals against Boston and then this happens. You can’t make it up man.” It is indeed true that New York’s misfortune played out like a movie with Randle’s injury. The forward made his third All-Star appearance in four years, and New York’s chances without him seem bleak at best.

Knicks in the absence of Julius Randle

The New York Knicks have a record of 15-14 without Randle this season. However, that doesn’t paint a complete picture. Randle has averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from three-point range. This goes to show the all-around impact he had not only from the defensive side of things but also from the offense of the team.

Despite Jalen Brunson averaging 27.8 points in 35.1 minutes per game, the entire offense cannot be carried by him alone in the playoffs. Moreover, Randle has a history of being highly productive in the regular season. However, in the 15 postseason games he has played, all with the Knicks, his shooting percentages have been lower, with 34.4% from the floor and 28.3% from three-point range, coupled with an average of 3.9 turnovers per game.

So the main question now for the Knicks is if they can play through the post-season without their All-Star and still reach the Conference Finals – which they haven’t made since 2000 – as Stephen A. had hoped. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments down below.

Read More: Julius Randle Return Might Have More To Do With Mental Blockage Than Injury Recovery, Hints Tom Thibodeau