Julius Randle was one of the main parts of the New York Knicks when they started building a winning culture that was missing for many years before that.
In a Skechers event in Brasil, Randle was asked if he considers himself a champion too for helping to build up the Knicks and he gave an indirect, but heartfelt answer.
"Ah no, I appreciate that. What the organization accomplished is great. Been a long time coming. Took a lot of hard years, a lot of different players, to build it up to what it was. It’s amazing. Definitely look forward to creating that in Brooklyn."
While Randle was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns in a move that ultimately brought New York a championship, which means he didn't directly contribute to their win, he took the Knicks to the playoffs in 2021, helping them build a winning culture after years of struggles.
Julius Randle
Credit Getty Images via AFP-Scanpix
Randle starts new chapter in Brooklyn
After two successful seasons with the Timberwolves that saw them making deep playoff runs, Randle was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade.
This move allowed the Wolves to trade for LaMelo Ball and sign Jonathan Kuminga while avoiding the luxury tax.
Now, the 31-year-old power forward will look to build a winning culture in another part of New York with Brooklyn.
He joins a team full of young developing players, who can use his veteran leadership to start gathering more wins.