BREAKING: Knicks' Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle Named Eastern Conference Reserves at 2024 NBA All-Star Game
Hey, now, you're (officially) an All-Star
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson was among the Eastern Conference reserves chosen by coaches to appear in the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, headlining the list that was unveiled during TNT's national coverage on Thursday night. With the nod, Brunson is officially on his way to his first career All-Star game in his sixth season and his second tour with the Knicks.
Brunson was joined by Knicks teammate Julius Randle, who earned the third nomination of his career, all in the last four years. However, Randle more than likely won't partake in the exhibition, as the Knicks announced that he will miss at least two-to-three weeks with his dislocated shoulder injury.
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Joining Brunson and Randle on the Eastern bench are Bam Adebayo (Miami), Paolo Banchero (Orlando), Jaylen Brown (Boston), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia), and Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland).
Though Randle will not partake, the Knicks officially have two All-Star representatives for the first time since 2013, when Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler each earned an invite to Houston.
Brunson has long been an All-Star in the eyes of the Manhattan faithful by exceeding every expectation a four-year, $104 million contract placed upon him. With Randle injured for the immediate future, Brunson has become the undisputed face of Knicks basketball. As it stands, Brunson is on pace for career-bests in scoring (26.8 per game), assists (6.5), and three-point field goal percentage (.422)
His recent efforts, which previously guided the Knicks to their first playoff series victory since 2013, have catapulted New York to the third spot in the Eastern Conference entering Thursday night action. The Knicks also boast an eight-game winning streak, the longest active tally in the NBA and tied for the second-longest overall this season.
Randle got off to a slow start this season but has since recovered to put up more consistent averages of 24 pints and 9.2 rebounds a game. His replacement will likely be named in the coming days.
The 2024 NBA All-Star Game will be held on Feb. 18 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. It will mark a return to the conference-vs.-conference format after six straight in a fantasy draft-style setting.
Going up against Brunson on the Western bench will be Devin Booker (Phoenix), Stephen Curry (Golden State), Anthony Davis (LA Lakers), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota), Paul George (LA Clippers), Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers), and Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota).
Despite Randle's presumed absence, Brunson won't be the only metropolitan representative on hand in Indy: New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, who has been known to offer tribute to Brunson by imitating his three-point celebration, will face Curry in a long-distance shootout for charity during the All-Star Saturday events at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Brunson has an immediate chance to justify his standing, as the Knicks host the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG)
