Jan 18, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) talks to head coach Tom Thibodeau during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Tom Thibodeau Makes Honest Julius Randle Statement

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Oct 13, 2024 6:40 PM ET

On Sunday evening, the New York Knicks are playing the Minnesota Timberwovles for their third preseason game.

They are facing off against the Timberwolves for the first time since the team's made a blockbuster trade earlier this month that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota.

Before the game, head coach Tom Thibodeau spoke about the two players (h/t Ben Oppenheimer of WFUV News).

Thibodeau on Randle: "Five years and put a lot into it. Helped turn this thing around. I think there will be great appreciation for what he's done, and also Donte. Donte made a significant contribution to winning last year. Terrific player. Both guys, great players, great guys, so a big part of what we did."

Thibodeau discussed former Knick Foward Julius Randle’s legacy with New York:

“Great, you know, 5 years and put a lot into it, and helped turn this thing around… I think there’ll be great appreciation for what he’s done.”

He also gave praise to former Knick guard Donte… pic.twitter.com/KQDe2F1jje
— Ben Oppenheimer (@BenOpp92801) October 13, 2024

Thibodeau also added on Randle: "When you look at his game and every year he's gotten better. He's very versatile and probably what gets overlooked is the play-making... Whatever role you ask him to play, that's what he's gonna do and I think winning is very important to him."

Thibodeau was asked how he saw Julius Randle develop as a player during his time in New York.

“When you look at his game, every year he’s gotten better. He’s very versatile. And probably the thing that gets overlooked is his playmaking….All around player. The scoring is… pic.twitter.com/zXPiZR7FI1
— Ben Oppenheimer (@BenOpp92801) October 13, 2024

When Randle signed with the team in the summer of 2019, the Knicks had been among the worst teams in the NBA.

He helped them completely turn around their franchise and made three All-Star Games during his tenure in New York.

They have made the NBA playoffs in three of the previous five years.

The Knicks played a tribute video for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo before the game pic.twitter.com/GtQXALIMnv
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) October 13, 2024

Randle finished last season with averages of 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per contest while shooting 47.2% from the field in 46 games.

He has yet to make his Timberwolves debut.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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