Julius Randle, the power forward on the New York Knicks,  is currently on a heavy three year 63 million contract. Last year, per ESPN, Julius averaged 19.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists off  46 percent from the field , 27.7 percent from three, and 73 percent from the line. These stats are staggered and last year was the main reason we did not win games. Julius was selfish and inefficient from the field and was supposed to be our top guy. This season, his mentality flipped, changing his outlook on the game and is playing like the player we had hoped to sign in his first year.

Julius Randle is now averaging 23.3 points, 11.1 boards, and 5.5 assists while shooting 48.3 from the field, 40.8 from three, and 40.5 from the line. Randle also is playing for the team as well as drawing double teams and passing out and also taking charge late game to win us games.

Julius Randle is a huge reason we are sitting at the 5th spot in the east coming off the all-star break because of his ability to take charge. The NBA took notice and named Julius an all-star for the Knicks. 

This is huge in many ways, one being this gives more attention to the Knicks and what they are doing which could draw free agents and trade requests their way. Also, this gives Randle the credit he deserves and also will bring him more confidence, which will lead to stronger game play moving forward.

The reason I am so fond of Julius Randle being named an all star is not just because of his stats that clearly already speak for themselves, because of the way he plays with the team, making him and others better every game.

Julius Randle needed to play well this season if he wanted to stay with New York long term, and he is doing just that. With a heavy contract already, these 3 seasons after his 3rd and final year he will be looking for an extension or resign for a max contract. Already being named an all-star and standing at 5th place in the east if they continue to play well and make the playoffs, Juilius will be getting that resignation or extension. We then can build around Julius and attract more superstars our way to improve and make a push in the playoffs.

All in all, Julius Randle being named an all-star helps himself, the team, and organization in many ways because it attracts more respect and attention. It also gives Randle the confidence to trust his game, and it gives his teammates more trust in him to know he is safe when handling the ball late game. Not only does this help Julius Randle in general as a player, it shows New York is respectable again and can draw superstars our way.