New York Knicks forward Josh Hart on Thursday was able to make light of the brutal Julius Randle injury news.
Randle was ruled out for the rest of the 2023-24 season as the All-Star is set to have campaign-ending shoulder surgery. The 29-year-old Knicks forward has not played since injuring his shoulder during a January 27 matchup against the Miami Heat,
New York Knicks Wing Josh Hart Speaks Out — and Jokes About — Julius Randle’s Injury
Hart spoke to the media about Randle’s injury Thursday before the Knicks took on the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden in New York City, N.Y.
One reporter asked Hart if he “felt for” Randle, who had been trying his hardest to return sometime this season. Hart, forever the jokester, initially called Randle a “terrible human being.”
“I feel for us,” joked Hart in a deadpan tone. “Because he just kept us in the wind for two months. Terrible teammate, terrible human being.”
Hart quickly gave a more serious answer shortly thereafter.
“But nah, for sure,” Hart continued. “As competitors, as hoopers you never want your season to end on an injury. It’s tough and frustrating for him, obviously wasn’t able to end the year last year fully healthy. … Unfortunate, but now for him it’s just about hitting his rehab strong and getting better this offseason and coming back even better next season.”
Hart had recently hinted at the possibility of the Knicks enduring without both Randle and Anunoby. The rest of the team may have been mentally prepared for such a scenario.
The New York Knicks’ Injury Woes Have Been a Huge Setback
The Knicks are in the midst of one of their most exciting seasons in recent history. Jalen Brunson has turned into a bona fide star in the Big Apple, with guys like Hart, Deuce McBride, and Donte DiVincenzo endearing themselves to the passionate fanbase that often fills MSG.
However, injuries have seriously hurt the team’s depth — and also the team’s status as a legitimate contender.
Randle was the Knicks’ second-leading scorer behind Brunson. The 3-time All-Star averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over 46 games played this season.
Knicks forward OG Anunoby, who was the team’s prized acquisition at the trade deadline, has also remained sidelined with a concerning elbow injury. The Knicks have at least gotten good news on center Mitchell Robinson, who has since returned from a lengthy stint on the sidelines due to an ankle issue.
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