Knicks’ Julius Randle Draws NBA Fans’ Ire by Loafing on Defense

Julius Randle was hoping the Knicks’ game against the Bucks on Friday in the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament would be an opportunity for him to amend his early season offensive struggles.

However, the woes for the Knicks forward continued, with him being visibly frustrated in the final moments on Friday’s contest in Milwaukee. Trailing 104-103 with less than a minute to play in regulation, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson attempted to attack the rim before missing on a leaning jump shot that was contested by Bucks guard Damian Lillard.

Randle, who was not pleased with the outcome of the possession, jogged up the court as the Bucks’ Khris Middleton pushed the pace and then found a cutting Lillard, who was fouled while converting the layup to put Milwaukee up by three points with a free throw opportunity.

Randle failed to get back on defense to prevent Lillard’s layup, and NBA fans did not hold back in their criticism.

Holy crap. This is embarrassing for Julius Randle.

Game on the line.

Zero effort. https://t.co/kNhEvJR5s4

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 4, 2023

Time for the Knicks to move him. He crippled them in the playoffs last year too.

— M.R (@Paperclip2010) November 4, 2023

This is actually the most pissed I’ve been. I am one that prides myself on hustle and leadership growing up playing ball. This makes me sick to my stomach

— WillyC (@C1231Will) November 4, 2023

A man shooting 25% through 6 games should never have his palms up when someone misses a shot especially someone with 40.

— Cerrone Battle (@Cerrone_Battle) November 4, 2023

And why would Brunson, who had over 40+ points and was on ????????????, give it up to a dude who was 5-20 on the night? ????‍♂️

— Stanley Kaniecki III (@StanXU96) November 4, 2023

He might as well have pulled a rondo and sat down on the bench

— Davis Allen (@DBallen3) November 4, 2023

Randle finished with 16 points on 5-of-20 shooting from the field, including 1-of-9 from three-point range, in New York’s 110-105 loss to Milwaukee. Through six games this season, Randle is shooting 27.1% from the floor and averaging 13.7 points per game as the Knicks dropped to 2-4 on the season.