There is a difference between being a top scorer and being a real leader.
The fact that Julius Randle has gone from first to second at 26 is why he will play his first NBA All-Star Game on Sunday in Atlanta (8 p.m., TNT). And that’s why his young Knicks continue their lead in their best season in recent years.
Voting for the All-Star team and the Skills Challenge that precedes it are individual honors. However, Randle won them over because of the way he has entered a leadership role for the young and inexperienced Knicks, who often carry them on their very large shoulders.
“I absolutely embrace it. I work there. I challenge myself and push myself to be able to do it every night. I know I still have a long way to go and I can also improve a lot, ”Randle said.
“But I definitely think I grew up as a leader. I definitely think I’m a person on our team who leads by example with the way I approach my way of working. I care about my teammates. I definitely think it’s something the guys look at every night to bring my game in a certain way. I try my best to do it. “
Randle has enjoyed an advanced campaign. He enters the All-Star Game averaging 23.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 40.8 shooting from 3 points, all the best in the race.
“This guy is going crazy this year, for the first time All-Star,” Kevin Durant said about Randle when he grabbed the Knicks for his Durant team to face the LeBron team.
In fact, Randle continues his upward trajectory, which had begun while he was with the Pelicans before backing down after signing with the Knicks last season.
“I’m very close to the guys who coached him in New Orleans. They said, “You’ll love him when you train him.” That’s true after being around him, the way his game has changed, “said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau.” My big concern about entering the season was the three-point shot. points, and he was so diligent with his work and has become a fantastic 3 point shooter.He has an overall game.
“It simply came to our notice then. His leadership, too. He is a great worker and is a great example. The impact on winning has been huge. “
Randle said he learned his work ethic by watching Kobe Bryant during his time with the Lakers, and was open about last season’s disappointment and made a first impression.
This year, Randle entered the camp in better shape. He has caught youngsters like RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin under his wing, stressing the value of video work and guiding them to dedicate extra time to the gym.
Instead of failing in mentoring, they have adopted Randle’s guidance. The results are a Knicks team having an amazing 19-18 win in their first winning season since 2013.
“It’s very exciting. It’s encouraging.” It’s really exciting.
Randle has been savoring the win and is looking forward to even the victories that don’t count in the standings, aiming for both Sunday’s Skills Challenge against Luka Doncic and the All-Star Game against the LeBron team
“Quite simple [goal], winning both, “Randle said.” Very simple, try to win both, enjoy the experience and make sure my family enjoys it. “