Julius Randle's Four-Word Response to Jalen Brunson Being Named Team Captain Shows Unity in Knicks Roster

When the opportunity to win an NBA championship is on the table, it is important for players to put their egos aside and work together as a team to accomplish their goal.

That is the mentality the New York Knicks are embracing after back-to-back playoff appearances that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Last season, they were one win away from advancing to the East Finals before they ultimately fell in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers.

Heading into this upcoming season, the Knicks wanted to make clear who will be responsibility for leading the team to glory as they named star guard Jalen Brunson as their team captain.

A perfectly reasonable choice to make. Brunson played a major role in elevating the Knicks' status as playoff contenders in only two years with the squad, as the team and fans dream of a potential NBA Finals appearance for the first time since 1999.

However, there may have been some concern about the announcement when it comes to Julius Randle. Having been with the team since 2019, he too played a big role in building the Knicks up from a mediocre period in their history and help them be more respected in the NBA world. It was possible that it took a hit to his ego.

Luckily for the Knicks, that wasn't the case as Randle showed his seal of approval towards the Knicks' decision on Instagram.

Brunson came off an MVP-caliber campaign, averaging 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds on 47.9% shooting from the field and 40.1% from beyond the arc. In the playoffs, he put up 32.4 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds on 44.4% shooting overall. He earned his first All-Star appearance and All-NBA honors thanks to his efforts.

Despite injuries cutting his season short, Randle averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and five assists on 47.2% shooting from the field in the 46 games he took part in. He received his third All-Star nomination despite not taking part in it due to a season-ending shoulder injury.

It was important for the Knick to see that their star players are on the same page with the decision. With that out of the way, they can move forward with their mission of competing for the NBA title, which might involve taking on the reigning champs Boston.

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