New York Knicks guard Elfrid Payton is clearly a fan of his teammate Julius Randle. He said the much-improved forward has done enough to make a case for his first ever NBA All-Star stint.
Payton is all in on the Randle Bandwagon as the 26-year-old has been showcasing his all-around game throughout this season as the Knicks' main gunner. After their 107-103 win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, Payton had nothing but positive things to say when asked about Randle's possible NBA All-Star nod (via Ian Begley of SNY TV).
Is Julius Randle an All-Star? "Honestly, it's not even a question; I don't even know what we're talking about," Elfrid Payton says. "He's definitely been playing at an All Star level… I think it would mean a lot to him. He puts in a lot of work … that people don't see."
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 4, 2021
Randle was indeed at an All-Star level against the Bulls. He led the Knicks with a game-high 27 points and added six boards and six assists. This marked the 15th 20-plus point game for the former Kentucky standout this season.
The 7th overall pick of the 2014 NBA draft has been a huge lift for the Knicks since arriving from the New Orleans Pelicans last season. This year though, a whole different Randle has emerged. He's playing at an elite level, averaging career-highs of 23.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. He's also shooting better from the field, from long distance, and from the charity stripe.
Randle's impressive campaign has helped the Knicks look like a team bound for the NBA Playoffs as they skim the surface of the Eastern Conference postseason picture with a 10-13 record.
The last time a Knicks player was given an NBA All-Star nod was when Kristaps Porzingis was chosen as a reserve in 2018. Could Julius Randle be the next one?
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