We might get a sneak peak of Julius Randle this summer before he even dons the orange and blue.
The newest Knicks big man has been added to Team USA basketball's training camp roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. Celtics forward Jaylen Brown was also added to the roster. Many of the top players have withdrawn from playing in the tournament in China that runs from August 31-September 15.
The team is looking to defend its back-to-back title run. Anthony Davis, James Harden, Tobias Harris, CJ McCollum, Bradley Beal and most recently Zion Williamson have all backed out of playing. Damian Lillard, Kevin Love, Kemba Walker and Kyle Lowry remain on the roster, although Lillard and Love haven't made their final decision just yet. The team will be coached by Greg Popovich.
Randle signed a three-year, $63 million deal with the Knicks this offseason. The 24-year-old power forward averaged a career-high 21.4 PPG and 8.7 RPG last season with the Pelicans. With players backing out and a 12-man roster needed, there's a very good chance we see Randle making the team and getting playing time in red, white and blue in a few weeks.
