Julius Randle is having a great season for the New York Knicks so far and deserves to make the NBA All-Star Game this year.
When Randle joined the Knicks from the 2019 free agency there was a feeling of disappointment. This is because the Knicks were linked with the likes of Kevin Durant, one of the best players in the world.
However, there was no doubt Randle was a good player. He has been a good player for years, but this year he has taken his game to another level.
He is averaging 23.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 11 rebounds per game. The most points, rebounds, and assists he's ever averaged in a season.
He looks great attacking the rim, as he usually does. His jump shot this year looks better than it has his whole career. He is averaging a career-high 40% from beyond the arc, whilst attempting a career-high 4.4 a game.
Another noticeable aspect in Randle's game this year is his passing. He is averaging 5.6 assists per game, significantly more than his previous seasons. He's especially good at driving and then kicking the ball out to shooters on the perimeter.
Randle is also averaging a career-high in minutes played per game at 36, showing how important he is to the team and them being sixth in the East. Knicks' head coach Tom Thibodeau has his team playing hard most nights with good defense.
The Knicks lead the NBA in the least points allowed per game, they only allow 103.6 points per game on average. They are also ranked third in the league in rebounding with Randle playing a big part in that.
Randle has had many stand-out games this season. But his most impressive game came against the Atlanta Hawks in a 123-112 victory.
Randle dropped a season-high 44 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 63.6% from the field. He also made a career-high seven 3-pointers.
"Julius Randle had an amazing game start to finish." Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce said. "He hit every big three."
Randle's performance re-emphasized that he should be part of the All-Star game.
RJ Barrett said it perfectly after the game. "It's hard to not put him in the game. What else does he have to do?
"The man is an All-Star."