In a candid interview with the National Basketball Association, former New York Knicks star and current Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle opened up about his emotional journey—from his time in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Madison Square Garden to finding a renewed sense of purpose in Minnesota.

Randle, who spent five seasons with the Knicks and became a central figure in their return to playoff relevance, shared heartfelt reflections on both the highs and lows of his New York tenure.

“New York made me tougher—mentally and emotionally,” Randle said. “The fans, the media, the expectations—it was all intense. But I grew a lot. I’m grateful for it, even if it wasn’t always easy.”

Randle acknowledged the challenges of leading a franchise under constant scrutiny. His 2021 All-Star season earned him admiration, but inconsistency in later seasons brought heavy criticism. He admitted that the weight of being “the guy” in a city as demanding as New York took a toll on him.

“There were nights I felt the love, and there were nights I felt like the villain,” he said. “But I never questioned my commitment. I gave everything I had.”

After being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2024 offseason, Randle described the transition as rejuvenating. In Minnesota, he’s part of a dynamic frontcourt alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, and he’s embraced a more balanced role.

“Joining the Timberwolves gave me a fresh start,” Randle explained. “I don’t have to carry everything on my shoulders. I can focus on playing my game, contributing to wins, and mentoring younger guys. It’s a different kind of leadership—and it’s what I needed.”

The Timberwolves, currently making a strong playoff push, have seen Randle thrive in his new environment. His efficiency has improved, and his veteran presence has drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike.

As Randle continues to redefine his career in Minnesota, he expressed no regrets—but plenty of appreciation.

“I’ll always have love for New York. That chapter helped write my story. But this new chapter? It feels like the start of something special.”