There is a difference between being a gunner and being a real leader.
The fact that Julius Randle went from the first to the last at 26 is the reason he will play his first NBA All-Star game on Sunday in Atlanta (8:00 pm, TNT). And that is why his young Knicks are following his lead in their best season in years.
Being voted for the All-Star team and the Skill Challenge that precedes it are individual honors. Randle, however, won them because of the way he took a leadership role for the young and inexperienced Knicks, often carrying them on their oversized shoulders.
“Absolutely, I hug. I work for that. I challenge myself and strive to be able to do this every night. I know I still have a long way to go and I can also improve a lot, ”said Randle.
“But I definitely think that I grew up as a leader. I definitely think I am a person on our team who sets an example in the way I work. I care about my teammates. I definitely think it’s something that guys look for in me every night to bring my game in a certain way. I try my best to do that. “
Randle had an innovative campaign. He enters the All-Star Game with an average of 23.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 40.8 3-point shots – all the best of his career.
“This guy is going crazy this year, for the first time All-Star,” said Kevin Durant of Randle when he chose the Knicks for his Team Durant to face Team LeBron.
In reality, Randle is just continuing his upward trajectory, which started while he was with the Pelicans before straying after signing with the Knicks last season.
“I’m very close to the guys who trained him in New Orleans. They said, ‘You will love him when you train him.’ This is true after being close to him, the way he changed his game, ”said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. “My biggest concern at the beginning of the season was the 3-point shot, and he was so diligent with his job that he became an excellent 3-point shooter. He has a complete game.
“He has made great strides. Your leadership too. He is a great worker and sets a great example. The impact on the victory was enormous. “
Randle said he learned his work ethic from watching Kobe Bryant during his time with the Lakers, and he was open about last season’s disappointment and made a bad first impression.
This year, Randle entered the camp in better shape. He welcomed young people like RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin under his protection, highlighting the value of video work and guiding them when making an extension at the gym.
Instead of being irritated by the guidance, they embraced Randle’s guidance. The result is a team of Knicks with an astonishing 19-18, in pace with their first winning season since 2013.
“Very exciting. It’s encouraging,” said Randle. “It’s really exciting. It’s a great honor for me to be able to lead these guys every day to have that kind of responsibility. It’s something I look forward to, and really encouraging.”
Randle has been savoring the win and is looking forward to even victories that don’t count in the standings – targeting Sunday’s Skills Challenge against players like Luka Doncic and the All-Star Game against Team LeBron.
“Very simple [goal], winning both, ”said Randle. “Very simple, try to win both, just enjoy the experience and make sure my family does.”