Knicks’ Julius Randle selected as 2023 All-Star Game reserve

Jan 4, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) brings the ball up court against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks forward Julius Randle was selected for this year’s All-Star Game as a reserve.

This is Randle’s second All-Star selection, the first coming in the 2020-21 season. After a down year with the Knicks, he’s reinvigorated himself. In fact, Randle is having a season comparable to that All-Star year.

In 52 games, Randle is averaging 24.7 points, 10.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. In that 2020-21 season, Randle averaged 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists.

“I think both are deserving,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said prior to the announcement. “Julius has had a monster year all year. I’d be surprised if he’s not on it. I hope Jalen gets recognized for the contributions that he’s made.”

Jalen Brunson did not make his first All-Star game despite having a career year and keeping the Knicks in playoff contention.

In 49 games, the New Jersey native is averaging 22.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game, more than any of his four seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.

The addition of Brunson has lifted the Knicks from their disappointing 37-45 campaign last season to a respectable 27-25 record. The Knicks are also the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, which would qualify them for the play-in tournament.