Julius Randle’s mother claps back at Shaq for ‘Randolph’ Knicks disrespect

Jan 26, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) reacts after defeating the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) reacts after defeating the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Ahead of the New York Knicks’ televised matchup against the Celtics on Thursday night, Shaq gave Julius Randle a new name – Julius “Randolph.”

Now, it’s not as if Randle is some rookie that’s working to make a name for himself in the NBA. In 2020-21, he was named an All-Star, the NBA’s Most Improved Player, and he earned a spot on the All-NBA Second Team all while leading the Knicks to their first playoff appearance in eight seasons.

The 2021-22 season didn’t go as hoped for Randle, but 2022-23 has told a different story for the 28-year-old forward. He’s averaging a career-high 24.8 points as well as a career-high 10.9 rebounds to go with 8.5 assists. Randle should be named an All-Star reserve this season, which will be revealed on Feb. 2.

So, no, Randle isn’t some player that Shaq should be “mistakenly” referring to as Julius Randolph.

Julius Randle’s mother claps back at Shaq for ‘Randolph’ comment after Knicks win

Surely after Julius Randle finished with 37 points (13-of-25), nine rebounds, and two assists in 37 minutes to lead New York to a 120-117 overtime win over the team with the best record in the league, Shaq should know his name. There should no longer be a “whatever his name is” comment, which is the kind of disrespect that stems from playing for the Knicks.

Shaq knows who Julius Randle is, but just in case, Randle’s mother, Carolyn Kyles, gave Shaq and the TNT crew another reminder after the game.

The TNT crew revealed the All-Star starters on Thursday and it’ll be the TNT crew that will reveal the reserves next Thursday. Randle should undoubtedly be a name that’s on that list, especially since he’s played better this season than he did back in 2020-21. There will be no Julius Randolph, but instead, there should be a Julius Randle.

Knicks fans know all too well how it goes. The media clowns the team, regardless of if they’re playing badly or not, so Shaq’s comment shouldn’t have come as surprise. In the end, Shaq’s the one that looks foolish after watching Julius Randle walk into Boston and drop 37 on the Celtics two nights after scoring 36 in a win over the Cavaliers.

Watch out for Julius

Randolph

Randle.