NY Knicks: Can Julius Randle make an All-NBA Team?
By Adam Kester
NY Knicks: Will Julius Randle beat out Kevin Durant?
Now I want to make this clear right off the bat – If Kevin Durant hadn’t missed so much time, this wouldn’t even be a discussion. In fact, if Durant comes back this week and doesn’t miss any more games, I think he would be deserving of All-NBA 1st Team. Durant has always been in the discussion for best player in the entire league, and he hasn’t missed a beat since returning from his ACL tear.
With the Nets, Durant has posted an absurd 29 points per game on 52.4% from the field, 43.4% from 3, and 86.9% from the line. The problem is, Durant doesn’t even show up on a lot of ESPN and basketball reference leaderboards because he isn’t eligible – He’s only played 19 games thus far this season. Now, there are reports that Durant may actually return to action when The NY Knicks take on the Nets tomorrow night. Hypothetically, if Durant was to play every game for the rest of the season, he would have played in 41/72 possible games. I don’t think he will play in every game for the rest of the year — Will he have played enough to be considered?
This isn’t to say Randle is the player Durant is, cause he’s not. At the end of the day, you have to play more than half of the season to be considered for end-of-the-season awards, and Randle’s durability could very well see him surpass Durant.
NY Knicks: Julius Randle vs. Jimmy Butler
This is close, but when it’s all said and done, I believe Jimmy Butler is more of a lock than Julius Randle to make an All-NBA team. It will be close, but it’s easy to see The Miami Heat and Butler continuing to pick up steam in the latter half of the season. They’ve had The Knicks number all year, and Butler’s prowess on both ends of the court is certainly deserving of an All-NBA selection.
Butler’s big-name recognition along with his strong play should see him make it. So now there are 4/5 (5 If you think Durant will be eligible despite playing half of a season) possible forward spots filled. Let’s take a look at Julius Randle’s remaining competition.