The New York Knicks received some devastating news on Thursday after it was revealed that Julius Randle will not be returning this season. This is after Randle and the team decided that the best course of action to address his lingering shoulder injury would be to undergo surgery.
At this point, there’s no denying that New York’s postseason aspirations have just taken a massive blow.
New York Knicks News: Stephen A Smith Reacts to Julius Randle’s Injury
ESPN broadcaster Stephen A Smith has never been shy about his Knicks fandom. He also hasn’t held back in criticizing his beloved team when necessary.
Smith, however, was an emotional wreck on Thursday morning’s episode of First Take after learning about Randle’s fate. You don’t say this very often, but Stephen A was at a loss for words as he attempted to digest the breaking news:
“They had a chance to get to the Conference Finals against Boston,” Smith said. “And then this happens. You can’t make it up, man.”
.@stephenasmith is heartbroken over the news that Julius Randle will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery 😟 pic.twitter.com/XDcJUPjVg5
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 4, 2024
Smith had his hands covering his face as co-host Molly Qerim reported the news, and at one point, it seemed like Stephen A was holding back the tears.
To be fair, though, the Knicks still have a bona fide superstar in Jalen Brunson, while OG Anunoby has not been ruled out for the season (at least not yet). However, losing Randle is an undeniably significant blow for this luckless squad — one could spell the end of their hopes to reach the East Finals this season.
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