Knicks’ Julius Randle to replace Blazers’ Anfernee Simons in three-point contest

Feb 16

A couple of days ago, it was announced that the young Knicks center Jericho Simms would replace Portland Trail Blazers Shaedon Sharpe for the Slam Dunk Contest this All-star weekend. Last Thursday morning, the news was announced by Shams Charania of The Athletic via Twitter that the Knicks All-Star Julius Randle will join the three-point contest. He will replace Anfernne Simons, who cannot participate due to a sprained ankle.

Knicks fans should be excited that their team should be getting more recognition. They now have a player in the dunk contest, three-point shooting contest, and the All-Star game. Still, even Knicks fans know Randle for the contest was a surprising choice.

Randle is shooting 33.8 percent from three and is 10th in made threes this season. Randle has shot a career-high in three-point attempts this season, with eight per game. Randle will compete with the other contestants of Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Huerter, Tyler Herro, Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Lauri Markkanen.

Out of all the names in the contest, Randle seems to stick out as a player not known for sharpshooting. Nevertheless, Knicks fans will cheer on Randle to compete for the trophy as it feels that is the least the NBA can do after they cheated Jalen Brunson out of the All-Star game.

The three-point contest will be broadcast on TNT this Saturday, Feb. 18, at 8:30 ET.