Julius Randle’s 4-Word Goodbye to Knicks Sparks Emotional Tributes From Sabrina Ionescu, Wife Kendra, & NBA World

Julius Randle had a hard time finding a role coming into the league in 2014. After just one game in his rookie season, the Lakers first-round pick missed the entire season – courtesy of a broken right tibia. But since then, the 6’8 forward/center has been a consistent presence. However, Randle really found his place after arriving in New York. And now, that chapter has also come to an end.

The blockbuster Karl-Anthony Towns trade saw Randle also on the move to Minnesota alongside Donte DiVincenzo. In his five years with the Knicks, Julius Randle was named to an All-Star team thrice, All-NBA teams twice, and also named the Most Improved Player in 2021. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the 29-year-old thrived in MSG!

And as a farewell, Randle took to Instagram to post just one photo with four words – “NEW YORK! THANK YOU,” followed by a folded hands emoji. No long speech or an emotional message. But perhaps the lack of those was what sparked an emotional fest in the comment section, with his wife, Kendra Randle, and WNBA superstar, Sabrina Ionescu, among others thanking him for his services to the New York franchise.

Mrs. Randle commented three goat emojis, echoing the sentiment of many New York fans that they indeed consider Julius Randle a GOAT. As for Ionescu, she wrote, “Thank you,” followed by a raised hands emoji, clearly reflecting her pride in everything the veteran center did for NYC.

They weren’t the only ones with tributes for the Knicks veteran. Former Spurs player, Melvin Sanders, had quite the compliment for Randle. “KING OF NEW YORK!! Had the heart and dawg to play in NY when them other boys was scared!! You da [insert goat emoji] family!” 

Sanders was obviously referring to the disappointing 2019 free agency. Despite being the ‘Mecca of Basketball,’ the franchise with sellout crowds, top Hollywood names, and more weren’t able to sway any of the A-list NBA names, two of which were Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, whom they chased for nearly a year, before losing them to their cross-town neighbors, the Nets.

The next one is one of the top New York S&C/ Performance coaches, Brian Harrington. He commented, “Always a Knick!” A sentiment many have repeated.

Julius Randle has been a stabilizing presence until the injury-riddled last season

During his tenure with the Knickerbockers, Randle has largely remained consistent, averaging 22.6 points any given night. However, last season saw him play just 46 games, having dislocated his shoulder in NYC’s 125-109 win over the Heat in late January. No. 30 was the third-best team player in his final game with the Knicks, having averaged 19 points, nine rebounds, and three assists while 42.9% from the field. He also made three of the four three-pointers and was a perfect 4-of-4 from the charity stripe.

Although Randle was rehabbing the shoulder in hopes of returning in time for the playoffs, the timeline simply did not work out. An early April update confirmed what everyone was scared of – season-ending surgery. He was slated to be re-evaluated in five months and, as per the latest update, nothing is stopping him from suiting up for the Timberwolves. According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Bobby Marks, Minnesota is expected to have Randle for training camp once the deal is finalized.

(This story is still developing)