Somehow, and also thankfully, Theo Pinson has a podcast titled ‘Run Your Race.’ When the beloved former New York Knicks player isn’t occupied with his duties with the Mavericks, he sits down and talks basketball. In a recent episode with former Knick Reggie Bullock, the two talked about the time that they spent in New York. Julius Randle, you may want to cover your ears.
The two talked about topics that ranged from their experience at UNC and Bullock’s NBA journey that started in 2013. Pinson and Bullock spent the 2020-21 season together with the Knicks and have been with the Mavericks since 2021-22.
After Bullock talked about what it was like to help guide Detroit back to the playoffs, the two then discussed what it was like to “change the culture” with the Knicks during 2020-21. Bullock talked about how important it was that the team enjoyed spending time with one another off the court. He then said that every player knew that they had to play defense or else Tom Thibodeau wouldn’t play them, which led to Pinson taking a shot at Randle.
Theo Pinson takes friendly shot at former Knicks teammate Julius Randle
After Theo Pinson made his comment about Julius Randle, he and Reggie Bullock enjoyed a good laugh before Bullock went on to say that the team took pride in their defense. It was clear that Pinson didn’t mean anything negative by his comment, but there’s some truth to what he said.
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In 2020-21, Randle averaged what was then a career-high 24.1 points in 71 games. He was named an All-Star for the first time, received All-NBA honors, and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player. However, this season, he’s been even better. The 28-year-old has redeemed himself from a disappointing 2021-22 by being named an All-Star again and he could be named to another All-NBA team this year.
With that being said, Randle isn’t known for his defensive efforts. Although Thibodeau is known as a defensive-minded coach and not an offensive guru, there have been times when many fans have questioned why he allows Randle to slack off on defense. When Randle puts in the effort, though, there’s nothing for fans to question. That’s the key.
Pinson’s expressed his support for Randle numerous times in the past, whether it be offering to braid his hair or interrupting Zoom calls to properly introduce Randle. This isn’t Pinson throwing shade at Randle, as the two likely still consider one another friends. But, hey, Pinson wasn’t exactly wrong.
