Former free agents are becoming All-Stars with the New York Knicks

The New York Knicks received good news this week when they found out that two of their players will participate in the 2024 All-Star Game. Both Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle will join the biggest names in the NBA in Indianapolis later this month.

This is a major development for the Knicks, particularly because both Brunson and Randle were acquired in free agency and there were doubts about either of them becoming superstars. Brunson joined the team in the summer of 2022 after his contract with the Dallas Mavericks expired and Randle signed with the Knicks in 2019 after being with the Los Angeles Lakers and then New Orleans Pelicans.

Both Brunson and Randle played well for their previous teams but neither were viewed as leaders. But since they have come to New York, they have started new chapters in their careers and have flourished.

During his five seasons with the Knicks, Randle has averaged 22.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. Brunson has recorded 25.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists during his two years in New York.

The Knicks have been surging lately with the acquisition of OG Anunoby being the factor that the team needed to take things up to the next level. They are now the third seed in the East with a strong 32-17 record.

Brunson and Randle's All-Star selections prove that this is a team that has slowly but surely taken promising players and turned them into leaders, winners, and two of the best men in the league.