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Julius Randle has another reason now to hoist more 3-point attempts this season.
The All-Star power forward was at the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School on Tuesday’s off-day for the Knicks to announce a financial donation to the Bronx charter high school.
Randle joined Monroe, the legendary Knicks’ guard, to announce that he will donate $500 to the school’s mathematics and literacy program for every 3-pointer he makes this season.
“Me and my wife love giving back to kids and inspiring them and really there was no better person to team up with than Earl,” Randle said. “Teaming up with a Knicks legend like this, I just felt it was the perfect opportunity to help.”
Asked if he’ll start shooting even more 3-pointers now, Randle quipped, “If I make ’em, absolutely. [Tom Thibodeau] wants us to shoot 3s anyway.”
Randle converted a career-high 160 3-pointers last season, which would have translated to a donation of $80,000 under this setup. He has made 24 3s through the first 11 Knicks games this season.
“Obviously, [Randle has been] great not only for the Knicks but for us here in New York City,” Monroe said. “He’s done an extraordinary job in the two years or so that he’s been here. The city is rocking again and he’s been a big reason why.”
The 76-year-old Monroe, a member of the Knicks’ 1973 championship team, was named last week to the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.
“It was cool. I didn’t have a lot of emotion out of it, but when I look back, it’s quite an accomplishment and I’m really happy about it,” Monroe said.
Asked how much he knew about Monroe before joining the Knicks, Randle added, “Everybody knows about Earl the Pearl. But I’ve gotten to know him pretty well, especially since I’ve teamed up with him with this and being able to help. … I’ve definitely gotten to talk to him and know him a lot more, so this has been great.”
Nerlens Noel suffered a sprained right knee Monday in Philadelphia and has been listed as questionable for Wednesday’s home game against the Bucks. Mitchell Robinson also is questionable after sitting out Monday with a strained left hip flexor. Khris Middleton (health and safety protocols), Brook Lopez (back) and Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) didn’t play in Milwaukee’s game Monday against the Sixers.
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