Julius Randle’s MVP chants from Knicks fans proves history repeats itself

This time last year, things weren’t exactly going well for Julius Randle. Less than a year after being named an All-Star for the first time, New York Knicks fans spent more time booing him than they did cheering for him. What a difference a year makes, right?

Flash forward to the start of 2023. In the Knicks’ first game of the new year, Randle led the team with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists in a 102-83 rout of the Suns. It was another excellent performance from the 28-year-old, who is currently averaging a career-high 24.2 points per game. During his All-Star season in 2020-21, he averaged 24.1 points.

Randle’s been phenomenal over the last month, which led to fans chanting “MVP” when he was at the free throw line in Monday’s win. That might not seem like much but given Randle’s history with the Knicks fan base, it means everything.

Knicks fans shower MVP chants down on Julius Randle in 102-83 win at MSG

Following the game, Julius Randle took a minute to address the MVP chants and how far his relationship has come with Knicks fans. He said:

"“It’s good to be on the good side of the Garden,” he said, chuckling. “It’s definitely a lot better feeling to be on that side.”Randle sarcastically pleaded ignorance when asked about his thumbs-down ‘Shut the fu– up’ message to fans from a year ago — “I don’t even remember that, that happened?” — which feeds into his attitude adjustment this season."

It’s nearly been a year since Randle gave the infamous thumbs-down gesture to fans at The Garden. Knicks fans were dissatisfied with the forward and their team after watching them make an incredible run to the playoffs a few months before. Entering the 2022-23 season, there was a lot of speculation about the approach that Randle would take, and so far, what he’s been doing has been working well for him.

Randle’s change in demeanor was first evident at Media Day, where he was smiling and joking around. That version of him didn’t show up much in 2021-22. Here we are a little over three months past Media Day and Randle’s change in mindset has continued to pay off for him and the Knicks.

With All-Star weekend being only a month and a half away, there’s a real possibility that Julius Randle will be in Salt Lake City celebrating his second All-Star honor as a Knick. Wouldn’t that be something?

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