Randle finds inspiration in late legend Reed
MIAMI — Julius Randle never got the chance to meet Knicks legend Willis Reed, but he is reminded every day of the impact The Captain had on the organization, the NBA and all of New York sports.
The 80-year-old Hall of Famer died Tuesday, nearly 50 years after he fronted the Knicks to the 1972-73 championship — their most recent, and second in four seasons. “It’s somebody who has his number up there every day. You go to practice, you see his name, you go to the Garden, you see his name,” Randle said before finishing with 15 points and nine assists in the Knicks’ 127120 loss to the Heat. “Just an icon in this game, a legend. He meant a lot to the game. So obviously it’s very unfortunate, but us as players who are actively playing and came after him are appreciative of everything he’s done for the game. And me specifically, what he’s done for our organization.
“It just goes to show you how strong the Knicks brand and culture is, how much the team means to the city. That was a big reason why I came here. I wanted to be a part of that, establishing our own history and culture here. We’re building towards something for sure.”
One day before Reed’s death, Randle netted a career-high 57 points Monday in the Knicks’ home loss to the Timberwolves, which tied for the third-highest scoring output in one game in franchise history.
The Knicks are in the fifth playoff position in the Eastern Conference, two games ahead of the No. 6 Nets and also two clear of No. 7 Miami and the 7-10 play-in tournament.
The 28-year-old Randle, who joined the Knicks as a free agent in 2019, acknowledged that postseason success ultimately is how players in various sports in New York are remembered. The Knicks have won just one playoff series over the past 22 seasons. Their losses include a first-round defeat to the Hawks in 2021.
“That’s where my mind goes,” Randle said. “When I first got here it was about establishing culture, stuff like that. In my mind, every day I wake up and go to sleep, how do I build championship habits? So eventually, hopefully, we get there one day.
“Watching [Derek] Jeter’s [ESPN documentary] this summer was very inspiring. I’m a Cowboys fan, so I don’t wanna talk much about the Giants [championships]. But the Yankees, all that stuff, is super inspiring. It’s what you aspire to do. … A lot of things are out of our control, but for me, what I can control is my habits every day, how I lead, and who I am as a person. I just try to hopefully line that up with championship habits.”
Randle also admitted his time in New York has been “a journey,” including a return to his 2020-21 All-NBA form following a rough, step-back season and a playoff miss in 2021-22.
“When I signed on that line to come here I knew what I was signing up for — at least I thought I did. But it’s been a journey every day and I’m just grateful and appreciative for it,” Randle said.