Tommy Lugauer came in hot to open up Wednesday’s bridge show, just before the Knicks opened up their season against the Celtics at MSG.
“The Knicks are going to the Eastern Conference Finals, and Julius Randle is going to play a big part in that,” Loogy declared. “Yes, the much maligned Julius Randle, the guy who comes up small in the playoffs, the guy that takes a lot of heat in this town, the guy that does not translate his regular season success in the playoffs, will come up big and lead the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals.
“Julius Randle went into last season off a really bad year, where he pouted, was out of shape, went after fans…and New York City basically ate him for lunch. As we’ve seen in this town, guys don’t come back from that. Julius Randle did. He came back last year, played great in the regular season…and when we got to the playoffs - and he wasn’t alone - he disappeared, was not good, and didn’t deliver. I think Julius knows that. I don’t think it’s because he’s not a winning player, or doesn’t care. He does care. I think he cares a lot, and I think he puts too much pressure on himself. He really wants to deliver for this city, for the Knicks fans.”
Randle’s season didn’t get off to a good start, as the two-time All-Star shot just 5-for-22 in the season opener, but Loogy expects another big season from Randle, and this time, it will be followed up with a big playoff performance.
“I think Julius knows this is such a big year for his career, and his legacy with the Knicks,” Loogy said. “Building off last year, with a superstar player in Jalen Brunson, with a motivated Julius Randle…I think Randle is the missing piece and the X-factor. He is the guy that is going to lead the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals.”