Only a season in the past Julius Randle ranked among the many least environment friendly shooters within the NBA.
Now he’s within the 3-point competitors.
Randle was introduced Thursday as a alternative for Saturday’s contest at All-Star weekend in Salt Lake City, the place he’ll shoot towards Dame Lillard, Jayson Tatum, Tyler Herro, Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, Kevin Huerter and Lauri Markkanen.
Randle changed Portland’s Anfernee Simons, who injured his ankle in a recreation Tuesday. Randle’s choice a minimum of partially made by comfort since he traveled to Salt Lake City anyway as an Eastern Conference All-Star.
It’s Randle’s second All-Star look in three years.
Randle ranks tenth within the NBA in complete 3-pointers however is simply connecting at a 33.8% clip, the least environment friendly of the eight rivals. That’s nonetheless an enchancment from his 30.8% capturing from past the arc final season.
Randle shot a career-high 41.1% on 3-pointers in 2020-21. He’s the primary Knick within the 3-point contest since Steve Novak in 2013.
Dating again to Trent Tucker in 1986, no Knick has completed above fourth within the competitors.
Randle’s certainly one of a minimum of three Knicks headed to All-Star Weekend. Quentin Grimes is enjoying within the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday night time after being drafted by Joakim Noah, one of many 4 coaches.
Jericho Sims is certainly one of 4 Slam Dunk contest individuals. His teammate Obi Toppin gained the title final 12 months.
Jalen Brunson is a prime candidate for an All-Star damage alternative if both Jaylen Brown or DeMar DeRozan, who each sustained accidents not too long ago, are unavailable.
MSG LAYOFFS
MSG Networks, the native TV house of the Knicks and Rangers, not too long ago laid off within the neighborhood of 20 of its behind-the-scenes workers, together with longtime producer Jeff Fillipi, the Daily News has discovered.
Fillipi, a multi-time Emmy winner, had been with MSG Networks since 2005 and was elevated to Senior VP of Production and Programming.
The layoffs happen as Regional Sports Networks battle throughout the nation attributable to wire slicing and excessive bills of broadcasting dwell sports activities. The proprietor of 19 Bally Sports regional networks, as an illustration, is on the verge of chapter.
MSG Networks remains to be worthwhile, based on an earnings report launched final week, however its working revenue dropped $10.3 million, or 29%, within the final three months of 2022 in comparison with the earlier 12 months. As a outcome, MSG Entertainment introduced a “cost reduction program” that “included targeted headcount reductions.”
In response to the challenges going through the cable TV mannequin, MSG Networks is planning to launch a direct-to-consumer streaming service this 12 months.
An MSG Networks spokesperson declined to remark for this story.
MSG HIRE
The Garden tabbed a well-recognized title for its PR boss.
Jeremy Watkins, the son of James Dolan’s longtime PR adviser, was named Senior VP of Communications of MSG Sports on Thursday.
Watkins, who was serving as a guide to MSG, replaces Patrick Rees, who lasted lower than a 12 months in that govt position. Rees adopted Patrick Sandusky’s stint of about 2 ½ years.
Barry Watkins, who’s Jeremy’s father, ran MSG communications for 20 years and was the corporate’s Chief Communications Officer.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com