30 for 30: New York Knicks All-Star Julius Randle on His Special Number

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle spoke about the significance behind his jersey number in a video posted on the NBA's social media channels.

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle has a special reason for why he chooses to wear the number 30 on his jersey. 

"There definitely is a significance behind my number," Randle said in a segment posted on the NBA's social media channels. "It's the number that my mom wore. As a kid, I asked her if I could wear it and she told me I had to do something with it, so hopefully I'm making her proud."

Randle has worn No. 30 at every point in his career, dating back to his high school basketball days at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Texas. Prestonwood, in fact, invited Randle back to retire the digits in a surprise ceremony in August. He kept the tradition alive during his single season at the University of Kentucky, one that ended in the national title game. 

Nothing has changed since Randle arrived in the NBA: after the Los Angeles Lakers drafted him with the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, he wore 30 in purple and gold. When he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans after four seasons, he still continued to wear the same number. 

Randle, celebrating a win in Miami with Immanuel Quickley, has worn the No. 30 since high school / USA TODAY SPORTS

Now, as a member of the Knicks, Randle still continues to wear his mother's number on his jersey as a way to honor her. No. 30 has a special place in Madison Square Garden lore: hockey goaltender Henrik Lundqvist's retired New York Rangers jersey was raised to the rafters in 2022 while renowned Knicks scorer Bernard King had it during his illustrious four-year term with the Knicks (1983-87), which including a run to the Association's scoring title in 1984-85.

Since Randle joined New York's roster before the 2019-20 NBA season, the team has made the playoffs twice in four years after, snapping a seven-season drought. He has flourished with the Knicks, averaging 22.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 284 appearances/starts.

Randle will return to action on Saturday night when the Knicks (1-0) continue their preseason slate against the Minnesota Timberwolves (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG2).