Knicks players will miss camaraderie and talents of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo
Julius Randle of the Knicks reacts with teammate Donte DiVincenzo after a basket during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 1. Credit: Jim McIsaac
GREENBURGH — Much of the conversation, at least what was allowed on media day at the Knicks training center, was focused on the player who was on the way in. But if the Knicks were cautious in how they talked about Karl-Anthony Towns, awaiting the trade to become official, they did not hold back their feelings about the players departing.
To get Towns the Knicks surrendered Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, both huge parts of the team’s success. And maybe just as much, a part of the culture that had won over the hearts of the fans in New York.
“It was definitely tough, but thankful that Julius welcomed me with open arms here,” Jalen Brunson said. “That news, it was crazy. But I’m really thankful for them and what they brought to this team, really thankful I got to get a relationship with Julius and the memories we made together. It was really fun. And Donte, he was a groomsman at my wedding, so that should tell you everything you need to know about our relationship. I love him to death, and we’ll see them soon.”
The Knicks had built a team without the superstar chase that they had taken for years and achieved success with it. And that seemed to make it hard to see it go away.
“The NBA is always a business as you all know,” Josh Hart said. “You form relationships and friendships with guys. Ju, I knew here for what, a year and a half? I was with him in LA. I was with Donte obviously in college. You have good relationships with those guys and you hate to see guys like that go, especially with the caliber of player they are and also what caliber of people they are. Sometimes the NBA is a tough business. KAT’s an amazing player, someone who will be really good in terms of spacing, knocking down shots, blocking shots, creating attention, creating plays for his teammates. It’s, you know, you love it and hate it.”
Hart said he thought it was particularly tough for Randle, who had been here through the tough times and become a two-time All-NBA player while helping the Knicks to three postseason berths in the last four years.
“I think for him, it was probably pretty difficult and pretty frustrating,” Hart said. “He came here when it was a losing record, when they were struggling and he helped turn the franchise around and kind of change the trajectory of it. I think the organization and the fan base is eternally grateful to him for that. And the time that he’s spent here. . . . and you guys know he played with extreme passion, competitiveness . . . When we see him again, it’s preseason and they come here. I hope and know that the Garden is going to show both those guys love for the sacrifices that they made.”
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
