Julius Randle and the New York Knicks had a rocky relationship in their first year together that many thought they were headed to splitsville.
The chatter got louder when the Knicks drafted Obi Toppin, who plays Randle’s position when their most pressing need was a lead guard.
Randle had heard all the nasty things and acknowledged his shortcomings. He let it all out in a passionate essay entitled “Reputation,” which he wrote for The Players’ Tribune.
Last year’s debacle and Toppin’s arrival only fueled Randle more to change his ways.
“You just look at him physically, he’s in much better shape,” Knicks legend John Starks said on MSG PM on Thursday following another All-Star performance from Randle that sealed a winning record for the Knicks heading into the break.