Knicks' top scorer Julius Randle enters NBA protocol / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports Credit Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Forward Julius Randle, who carried the depleted New York Knicks through their struggles with COVID-19, entered the NBA health and safety protocol on Thursday, multiple outlets reported.

Julius Randle

MIN:35.28PTS:19.29 (49.53%)REB:9.97As:4.97ST:0.74BL:0.63TO:3.51GM:35ProfileNBA2021/2022

Randle, 27, leads the Knicks in scoring (19.3 points per game) and rebounds (10.0). He has started all 35 games for the Knicks this season.

The Knicks have three other players remaining in the protocol -- center Nerlens Noel, guard Wayne Selden, and forward Jericho Sims. A week ago, seven Knicks were on the list.

Amid the team outbreak, Randle told reporters on Dec. 20 about the precautions he was taking to stay safe since he has a newborn and a 5-year-old at home.

"Yeah, it's definitely something I try to be cautious of," Randle said. "When I'm at home and around my son, I try to be cautious of how I'm interacting with him and touching him and all that different type of stuff. It's tough."

Randle is in his third season with New York and eighth NBA season overall after time with the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans. In 481 career games (401 starts), he has averages of 17.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.

He was selected to his first All-Star team in the 2020-21 season.

The Knicks (17-18) are scheduled to play the Thunder in Oklahoma City on Friday.

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