Jan 2, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) brings the ball up court in the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Knicks News: Julius Randle’s excellence continues, Obi Toppin trade rumors
The year 2023 has started off well for the New York Knicks. In a dominant performance on Monday, the Knicks defeated the Suns, 102-83. Julius Randle continued his hot streak with 28 points (7-of-18), 16 rebounds, and six assists.
Through 38 games, Randle is averaging a career-high 24.2 points, which is slightly more than the 24.1 points that he averaged during his All-Star season in 2020-21. In December, Randle averaged 28.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. With All-Star weekend approaching in February, there’s a high possibility that Randle will be named an All-Star for the second time in his career.
Before All-Star weekend gets here, though, the Knicks will first have to make it past the Feb. 9 trade deadline. The latest trade rumor surrounding the Knicks is that the team has “engaged” in talks for Obi Toppin and that there have specifically been talks with the Pacers. Toppin is currently out with a lower leg fracture and a little over a week ago, he was re-evaluated and told that he will need a “couple more re-evaluations.”
The 24-year-old was averaging 7.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 17.1 minutes before getting injured. With no timetable set for his return and the trade deadline a little over a month away, there seems to be a chance that Toppin could soon leave New York.
More Knicks News
- The Knicks held the Suns to a season-low 83 points in Monday’s win at the Garden. Phoenix coach and former Knick Monty Williams called New York a “typical Thibs team” after the game.
- On Monday at MSG, Chris Paul expressed his support for his friend and Knick legend Carmelo Anthony. Paul said that Melo’s “one of the best to ever play the game” and that he hopes “he’s in the league soon.” Although Obi Toppin is out, the Knicks reportedly don’t have any interest in signing Melo.
- Per NBA.com’s weekly power rankings that were released on Jan. 2, the Knicks sit at No. 17 in the league behind the Jazz and above the Heat.
NBA News
- Hornets forward Kelly Oubre Jr. will miss four-to-six weeks after undergoing surgery on a torn ligament in his left hand. Oubre suffered the injury earlier in the season but had been playing through it until now.
- Donovan Mitchell scored a franchise-record 71 points (22-of-34) to go along with 11 assists and eight rebounds in Cleveland’s 145-134 overtime win over Chicago on Monday. Mitchell’s the seventh player in NBA history to record 70+ points.
- Klay Thompson hit 10 three-pointers on Monday to finish with 54 points as the Warriors defeated the Hawks in overtime, 143-141.
- The Nets have the longest active win streak in the league at 12. Brooklyn will begin a three-game road trip on Wednesday with a game in Chicago before traveling to New Orleans and Miami.
