The New York Knicks’ road to respectability had a much-needed shot in the arm after Julius Randle received his first All-Star nod.
Randle, the leader of the Knicks’ resurgence this season, was among seven reserves voted by coaches, according to Athletic Shams Charania.
“It would mean a lot,” Randle said of the All-Star selection through a zoom call with reporters after the Knicks photo shoot on Tuesday morning.
“My goal was never just to play in the NBA. I always thought I would get there. I just wanted to be the best player I could be and reach my potential. And I try to strive every day to do that. It would definitely be a milestone ”.
The selection is a validation of the new culture of the Knicks defined by the new president of the team, Leon Rose, and by the coach of the first year, Tom Thibodeau.
The seven-year-old striker has faced double teams constantly, finally earning the respect he has longed for since joining the league as a lottery pick (seventh overall) in 2014.
“I think I get this validation for how they play with me every night. With double teams, ”said Randle.
“How they try the game plan. All that kind of thing. Obviously, the All-Star’s nod would be incredible. Each player strives to do this, or whatever the case may be. “
Thibodeau pointed out that Randle’s impact on victory would weigh heavily. Was he right.
Randle is having a career season leading the Knicks to a record 15-16 in Tuesday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors.
Approximately 2,000 fans will celebrate and cheer for Randle and the Knicks when they take the floor at The Garden, marking the first time that fans have been to the New York arenas in almost a year.
Randle averages 23.2 points, shooting 41 percent deep, 11.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 36.8 minutes, all career highlights.
He became the Knicks’ first selected All-Star since Kristaps Porzingis in 2018. Porzingis, although he did not play due to his ACL injury.
Unless injured, Randle will be the first player to play in the mid-season classic since Carmelo Anthony in 2017.
Randle won $ 945,000 for his selection and he can double if the Knicks make it to the playoffs, according to ESPN Front Office Insider Bobby Marks.
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