Jeff Van Gundy warns Julius Randle of his erratic behavior ahead of the playoffs

Former Knicks head coach Jeff Van Gundy has warned Julius Randle of his lack of self-control over his recently erratic behavior and the negative impact it could have on New York’s playoff chances next month, following a string of outbursts on the pitch by the attacker.

During a 111-106 loss to Orlando on Thursday, Randle’s attitude reached a critical point when the two-time All-Star flew into a rage first at officials, then at teammate Immanuel Quickley after he was fouled while drove to the bucket.

“Emotion and passion lead to a better game, but a lack of emotional control and balance lead to a lesser game,” Jeff Van Gundy, who was the Knicks’ head coach from 1996 to 2001, told the New York Post.

“To play well in the playoffs, to play well in hard-fought, hard-fought, close games, ultimately you need to have your best players with a level of poise that leads them to be able to play through tough game moments or a tough loss in a playoff series and bounce back. Balance is very critical to be able to handle pressurized late-game situations.”

“I think a couple of years ago in the playoffs Randle had some issues with that. I think he had to close out games this year, he had some struggles with that.”