New York Knicks' Julius Randle News Brings Stephen A. Smith to Tears

New York Knicks fan/critic Stephen A. Smith offered an emotional reaction to Julius Randle's diagnosis on ESPN.

By Geoff Maggliocchetti

Jan 27, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) is helped by
Jan 27, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) is helped by / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks have endured countless injuries this season. The hurt feelings of one of their biggest fans/critics may be the latest to appear on the report.

New York's announcement of Julius Randle's season-ending shoulder procedure hit ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith particularly hard, as the Worldwide Leader personality was nearly brought to tears over Randle's diagnosis. The three-time All-Star has not taken the floor at Madison Square Garden since suffering a dislocated shoulder in Jan. 27's win over Miami.

“You get an opportunity, with Milwaukee looking suspect, Miami looking suspect at times, Joel Embiid injured,” a woeful Smith said on Thursday's edition of "First Take." “The Knicks had a chance to get to the Eastern Conference Finals against Boston, and then this happens. You can’t make it up, man."

Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Team Stephen A coach Stephen A. Smith looks on against Team
Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Team Stephen A coach Stephen A. Smith looks on against Team / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

"Contrary to what people think, I am a nice guy," Smith carried on. "I try to do the right thing, I love the Lord, and I pray every morning and every night. I give back as best as I possibly can. All I ever ask is just for the Knicks … there’s always something. Something. Damn it!”

While there are no doubt legions of Knicks fans expressing sentiments similar to Smith, not all is lost with Randle done for the year: New York is 16-15 in his absence and continues to linger in the upper half of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The All-Star efforts of Jalen Brunson have kept them rolling and the team received a major boost on Friday when OG Anunoby returned to the lineup after a nine-game departure. Though the Knicks fell to the Chicago Bulls, they're 15-3 when Anunoby takes the floor for them this season.

New York will have a chance to make some headway sans Randle on Sunday night when they face the second-ranked Milwaukee Bucks (7 p.m. ET, MSG/NBA TV).