Randle late addition to NBA 3-point contest
NEW YORK — Only a season ago Julius Randle ranked among the least efficient shooters in the NBA.
Now he’s in the 3-point competition.
Randle was announced Thursday as a replacement for Saturday’s contest at All-star weekend in Salt Lake City, where he’ll shoot against Dame Lillard, Jayson Tatum, Tyler Herro, Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, Kevin Huerter and Lauri Markkanen.
Randle replaced Portland’s Anfernee Simons, who injured his ankle in a game Tuesday. Randle’s selection at least partially made by convenience since he traveled to Salt Lake City anyway as an Eastern Conference All-star.
It’s Randle’s second All-star appearance in three years.
Randle ranks 10th in the NBA in total 3-pointers but is only connecting at a 33.8% clip, the least efficient of the eight competitors. That’s still an improvement from his 30.8% shooting from beyond the arc last season.
Randle shot a careerhigh 41.1% on 3-pointers in 2020-21. He’s the first Knick in the 3-point contest since Steve Novak in 2013.
Dating back to Trent Tucker in 1986, no Knick has finished above fourth in the competition.
Randle’s one of at least three Knicks headed to All-star Weekend. Quentin Grimes is playing in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday night after being drafted by Joakim Noah, one of the four coaches.
Jericho Sims is one of four Slam Dunk contest participants. His teammate Obi Toppinwonthetitlelastyear.
Jalen Brunson is a top candidate for an All-star injury replacement if either Jaylen Brown or Demar Derozan, who both sustained injuries recently, are unavailable.