10 May 2023 , 11:58
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The New York Knicks have been urged to trade Julius Randle by analyst Stephen A Smith - and make a move for Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard
After levelling the series in Game Two, the Knicks succumbed to a 109-101 defeat in South Florida of their NBA Eastern Conference play-off semi-final on Monday. After back-to-back defeats the Knicks now trail 3-1 in the series going into Game Five at Madison Square Garden and must win the final three games if they are to reach a first Conference finals since 2000.
The winner of the series will face either the Philadelphia 76ers or the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference final later this month. The 76ers currently lead the series 3-2 going into Game Six on Thursday.
In the Knicks’ latest defeat to the Heat, Randle scored 20 points with nine rebounds and three assists in his 39 minutes on the court. Jalen Brunson (32) and RJ Barrett (24) were his only team-mates to outscore Randle in the Game Four contest.
However analyst Stephen A Smith has given an impassioned rant about Randle’s recent performances and why he thinks the Knicks should trade him. Smith went on to tell ESPN First Take presenters Victoria Arlen and JJ Redick the two players he would prefer the Knicks to have over Randle.
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“I’m going to say this, I think they should trade him,” Smith told . “Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m talking (about) basketball ability.
“Now durability, I don’t think anybody could compete with Julius Randle. He’s been Mr Reliable and played 77 games this season before he got injured.
Stephen A Smith believes the Knicks can upgrade Randle with Damian Lillard and Karl-Anthony Towns suggested as alternatives (Image: Getty) (Elsa/Getty Images)“So reliability, dependability, in that regard, I can’t sniff at that. But I’m talking about from a talent perspective, particularly come play-off time, I’d rather have Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) than Julius Randle.
“I know he’s 32 years old, do you know what I would give to get my hands on Damian Lillard at the Garden? Do you know what I would do for that, JJ (Redick)?
“It wouldn’t have been a shot-making issue if he was on the court, I promise you that! OK, I’m dreaming, and I understand I’m dreaming.
“But damn it, I’m allowed to dream, JJ! I’m allowed to dream! We have suffered! And once again, we’re going to suffer again!”