Knicks: 3 reasons why Julius Randle deserves to be an All-Star Reserve

Julius Randle’s Comeback story is truly one for the ages

I want to be careful not to overemphasize this final point. This is the NBA. The highest level of professional basketball on the planet. Every player has worked incredibly hard to earn their spot on a roster.

However, in terms of comeback stories, Julius Randle has faced an astonishingly uphill climb. The former lottery pick always seemed destined for this type of career stardom. In 2013, he was a High School All-American. In 2014, he burst onto the scene at the University of Kentucky, averaging 15 points, 10.4 rebounds, per game. He also broke the school record for double-doubles in a season with 24 (a record previously held by superstars Anthony Davis and Demarcus Cousins).

He was then selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 7th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He was expected to be a potential centerpiece of the league’s biggest franchise.

Tragically, Julius Randle suffered a broken tibia just 14 minutes into his first game in Los Angeles. He would miss the remainder of his rookie season.

Randle spent the next three seasons attempting to right this career path. Over time, he established himself as the nightly double-double threat he was at Kentucky. His time with the Lakers ended when the team renounced the power forward when the New Orleans Pelicans offered him a two-year contract.

Randle played just one season in the Big Easy, before opting out of his deal to sign with his third franchise in six years: the New York Knicks.

In the NBA world, being a young player who suffers a major injury before bouncing between multiple teams is generally the path toward mediocrity. In Randle’s case, it has resulted in a breakout campaign.

After many thought his role in New York would be as a placeholder and potential trade chip, the rising star has overcome every hurdle on his path toward career redemption. In the process, he has set himself (and the Knicks franchise by extension), up for even more future success.

Julius Randle has earned his All-Star opportunity based on hard work and merit. However, his uphill battle further displays his dedication to his craft. Hopefully, this will culminate with All-Star honors when the reserve roster is announced on February 23rd.

Do you think Randle has earned a spot in the All-Star team?