The Julius Randle Thread

[Klomp]

I was just listening to Dane Moore's show today, and they referred to Randle's line from Monday as a 76ers Ben Simmons line....that kind of stuck out to me, because Finch and Randle have repeatedly talked about how they want to play differently from how he played in New York. After the Simmons name drop, the name that actually came to mind for me was Lamar Odom. I think that role makes sense for Julius, and I think that in that role Randle might be able to come more affordably.

Something to think about too....teams don't have much cap space this summer. I don't know that any $40 million offers will be out there if he opts out. Honestly, I'm not sure many $30 million offers will be there. So that might be to our advantage in some ways. What if he sits out there on the market without offers higher than say the MLE? We already have heard we might be able to afford to re-sign NAW, Naz AND an MLE contract....what if Randle became that MLE? Or are we all at a point where we want him off the team no matter what? It feels like the bigger fear is that he will cost the team NAW or Naz, but there's a chance that it's not the case.

I'm really not that concerned with losing NAW.

I know its easy to say while he's stinking up January, but he seems like the type of rotation player that gets shuffled around the key guys, not becomes one of them.

And that would free up even more money in this situation, since in this projection Dane had done a week or two agree they were putting NAW down for the full MLE.

[BlacJacMac]

I was just listening to Dane Moore's show today, and they referred to Randle's line from Monday as a 76ers Ben Simmons line....that kind of stuck out to me, because Finch and Randle have repeatedly talked about how they want to play differently from how he played in New York. After the Simmons name drop, the name that actually came to mind for me was Lamar Odom. I think that role makes sense for Julius, and I think that in that role Randle might be able to come more affordably.

Something to think about too....teams don't have much cap space this summer. I don't know that any $40 million offers will be out there if he opts out. Honestly, I'm not sure many $30 million offers will be there. So that might be to our advantage in some ways. What if he sits out there on the market without offers higher than say the MLE? We already have heard we might be able to afford to re-sign NAW, Naz AND an MLE contract....what if Randle became that MLE? Or are we all at a point where we want him off the team no matter what? It feels like the bigger fear is that he will cost the team NAW or Naz, but there's a chance that it's not the case.

I'm really not that concerned with losing NAW.

I know its easy to say while he's stinking up January, but he seems like the type of rotation player that gets shuffled around the key guys, not becomes one of them.

And that would free up even more money in this situation, since in this projection Dane had done a week or two agree they were putting NAW down for the full MLE.

I'd bring him back for the taxpayer MLE. I couldn't justify anywhere near the full MLE for what he brings. I'd rather give TSJ and Clark a chance.

[moss_is_1]

I'm really not that concerned with losing NAW.

I know its easy to say while he's stinking up January, but he seems like the type of rotation player that gets shuffled around the key guys, not becomes one of them.

And that would free up even more money in this situation, since in this projection Dane had done a week or two agree they were putting NAW down for the full MLE.

I'd bring him back for the taxpayer MLE. I couldn't justify anywhere near the full MLE for what he brings. I'd rather give TSJ and Clark a chance.

I love how well NAW has worked for us, but yeah he seems like a luxury and not a necessity for us. He's behind Ant, Jaden, and Ddv in the wing rotation. Behind Ant, Ddv and should be behind Rob moving forward in the guard rotation. I don't think it would be use to tie up a big chunk of money into a 4th wing or 4th guard. Would be great to flip him at the deadline for a few picks(assuming no one would offer a 1st so a couple 2nds). Then you replace his minutes with a younger guy you just used a 1st round pick on.

Ddv - Conley - Rob
Ant - DDV - Tsj
Jaden - Minott
Randle - Naz
Rudy

Too bad Ddv and Tsj are hurt currently.

[winforlose]

And that would free up even more money in this situation, since in this projection Dane had done a week or two agree they were putting NAW down for the full MLE.

I'd bring him back for the taxpayer MLE. I couldn't justify anywhere near the full MLE for what he brings. I'd rather give TSJ and Clark a chance.

I love how well NAW has worked for us, but yeah he seems like a luxury and not a necessity for us. He's behind Ant, Jaden, and Ddv in the wing rotation. Behind Ant, Ddv and should be behind Rob moving forward in the guard rotation. I don't think it would be use to tie up a big chunk of money into a 4th wing or 4th guard. Would be great to flip him at the deadline for a few picks(assuming no one would offer a 1st so a couple 2nds). Then you replace his minutes with a younger guy you just used a 1st round pick on.

Ddv - Conley - Rob
Ant - DDV - Tsj
Jaden - Minott
Randle - Naz
Rudy

Too bad Ddv and Tsj are hurt currently.

1. DDV is out for a long time. Even if he returns this season (doubtful,) it will be to ramp up for the post season.

2. NAW is not a guard. He is a terrible play maker, his handle cannot stand up to pressure defense, and his shot around the rim is questionable. NAW is a 3 and D whose best position is SF.

3. Ant is getting exhausted by guys like Wells guarding him full court. He does not want the ball in his hands as a PG. Ant wants to be passed to in positions to drive or shoot a 3. When Ant does drive he then can kick out or finish depending on the defense.

4. Conley is not Conley this year. He cannot be relied upon. Maybe he goes off in 1 quarter and meets the expected production quota for the game, but the rest of the time his minutes are empty. Minute eating is fine for a Minott who is still learning, but it is not fine for Conley who is near the end of his career.

5. Do you really think Dilly is ready to starting in the playoffs? If we don’t acquire a guard, and DDV is done, then Dilly or Mike are your playoff starters. Mike has shown he cannot do it, so can Dilly get it done? If yes, do you trust Mike to back him up? If no, don’t we need to trade for a guard who can?

P.S if Mike is out of the rotation next year, is DDV going to start and Dilly back him up? That is a recipe for high turnover and low creation basketball.

[BlacJacMac]

I'd bring him back for the taxpayer MLE. I couldn't justify anywhere near the full MLE for what he brings. I'd rather give TSJ and Clark a chance.

I love how well NAW has worked for us, but yeah he seems like a luxury and not a necessity for us. He's behind Ant, Jaden, and Ddv in the wing rotation. Behind Ant, Ddv and should be behind Rob moving forward in the guard rotation. I don't think it would be use to tie up a big chunk of money into a 4th wing or 4th guard. Would be great to flip him at the deadline for a few picks(assuming no one would offer a 1st so a couple 2nds). Then you replace his minutes with a younger guy you just used a 1st round pick on.

Ddv - Conley - Rob
Ant - DDV - Tsj
Jaden - Minott
Randle - Naz
Rudy

Too bad Ddv and Tsj are hurt currently.

1. DDV is out for a long time. Even if he returns this season (doubtful,) it will be to ramp up for the post season.

2. NAW is not a guard. He is a terrible play maker, his handle cannot stand up to pressure defense, and his shot around the rim is questionable. NAW is a 3 and D whose best position is SF.

3. Ant is getting exhausted by guys like Wells guarding him full court. He does not want the ball in his hands as a PG. Ant wants to be passed to in positions to drive or shoot a 3. When Ant does drive he then can kick out or finish depending on the defense.

4. Conley is not Conley this year. He cannot be relied upon. Maybe he goes off in 1 quarter and meets the expected production quota for the game, but the rest of the time his minutes are empty. Minute eating is fine for a Minott who is still learning, but it is not fine for Conley who is near the end of his career.

5. Do you really think Dilly is ready to starting in the playoffs? If we don’t acquire a guard, and DDV is done, then Dilly or Mike are your playoff starters. Mike has shown he cannot do it, so can Dilly get it done? If yes, do you trust Mike to back him up? If no, don’t we need to trade for a guard who can?

P.S if Mike is out of the rotation next year, is DDV going to start and DDV back him up? That is a recipe for high turnover and low creation basketball.

Plus he'll be exhausted!!

[moss_is_1]

I'd bring him back for the taxpayer MLE. I couldn't justify anywhere near the full MLE for what he brings. I'd rather give TSJ and Clark a chance.

I love how well NAW has worked for us, but yeah he seems like a luxury and not a necessity for us. He's behind Ant, Jaden, and Ddv in the wing rotation. Behind Ant, Ddv and should be behind Rob moving forward in the guard rotation. I don't think it would be use to tie up a big chunk of money into a 4th wing or 4th guard. Would be great to flip him at the deadline for a few picks(assuming no one would offer a 1st so a couple 2nds). Then you replace his minutes with a younger guy you just used a 1st round pick on.

Ddv - Conley - Rob
Ant - DDV - Tsj
Jaden - Minott
Randle - Naz
Rudy

Too bad Ddv and Tsj are hurt currently.

1. DDV is out for a long time. Even if he returns this season (doubtful,) it will be to ramp up for the post season.

2. NAW is not a guard. He is a terrible play maker, his handle cannot stand up to pressure defense, and his shot around the rim is questionable. NAW is a 3 and D whose best position is SF.

3. Ant is getting exhausted by guys like Wells guarding him full court. He does not want the ball in his hands as a PG. Ant wants to be passed to in positions to drive or shoot a 3. When Ant does drive he then can kick out or finish depending on the defense.

4. Conley is not Conley this year. He cannot be relied upon. Maybe he goes off in 1 quarter and meets the expected production quota for the game, but the rest of the time his minutes are empty. Minute eating is fine for a Minott who is still learning, but it is not fine for Conley who is near the end of his career.

5. Do you really think Dilly is ready to starting in the playoffs? If we don’t acquire a guard, and DDV is done, then Dilly or Mike are your playoff starters. Mike has shown he cannot do it, so can Dilly get it done? If yes, do you trust Mike to back him up? If no, don’t we need to trade for a guard who can?

P.S if Mike is out of the rotation next year, is DDV going to start and Dilly back him up? That is a recipe for high turnover and low creation basketball.

I guess I'm not sure why you're arguing with me? Lol I acknowledged Ddv is injured at the bottom, and I am in agreement that Naw should be moved. We need more playmaking of some kind and Dillingham should be getting as many minutes as possible.

I don't think we can play Rob or Mike against a good team in the playoffs, but I don't think you're gonna be able to trade for a replacement either. This season is probably a sunk one due to a number of reasons. We might as well develop some young guys, and get an asset for NAW before we can't bring him back in FA.

[winforlose]

I love how well NAW has worked for us, but yeah he seems like a luxury and not a necessity for us. He's behind Ant, Jaden, and Ddv in the wing rotation. Behind Ant, Ddv and should be behind Rob moving forward in the guard rotation. I don't think it would be use to tie up a big chunk of money into a 4th wing or 4th guard. Would be great to flip him at the deadline for a few picks(assuming no one would offer a 1st so a couple 2nds). Then you replace his minutes with a younger guy you just used a 1st round pick on.

Ddv - Conley - Rob
Ant - DDV - Tsj
Jaden - Minott
Randle - Naz
Rudy

Too bad Ddv and Tsj are hurt currently.

1. DDV is out for a long time. Even if he returns this season (doubtful,) it will be to ramp up for the post season.

2. NAW is not a guard. He is a terrible play maker, his handle cannot stand up to pressure defense, and his shot around the rim is questionable. NAW is a 3 and D whose best position is SF.

3. Ant is getting exhausted by guys like Wells guarding him full court. He does not want the ball in his hands as a PG. Ant wants to be passed to in positions to drive or shoot a 3. When Ant does drive he then can kick out or finish depending on the defense.

4. Conley is not Conley this year. He cannot be relied upon. Maybe he goes off in 1 quarter and meets the expected production quota for the game, but the rest of the time his minutes are empty. Minute eating is fine for a Minott who is still learning, but it is not fine for Conley who is near the end of his career.

5. Do you really think Dilly is ready to starting in the playoffs? If we don’t acquire a guard, and DDV is done, then Dilly or Mike are your playoff starters. Mike has shown he cannot do it, so can Dilly get it done? If yes, do you trust Mike to back him up? If no, don’t we need to trade for a guard who can?

P.S if Mike is out of the rotation next year, is DDV going to start and Dilly back him up? That is a recipe for high turnover and low creation basketball.

I guess I'm not sure why you're arguing with me? Lol I acknowledged Ddv is injured at the bottom, and I am in agreement that Naw should be moved. We need more playmaking of some kind and Dillingham should be getting as many minutes as possible.

I don't think we can play Rob or Mike against a good team in the playoffs, but I don't think you're gonna be able to trade for a replacement either. This season is probably a sunk one due to a number of reasons. We might as well develop some young guys, and get an asset for NAW before we can't bring him back in FA.

“ I don't think it would be use to tie up a big chunk of money into a 4th wing or 4th guard.” This is the key statement I disagree with. No DDV and bad Mike means we have Dilly as the only guard come playoff time. I hate this enough to say we need to fix it. Plus I don’t think Dilly will be a starting quality PG until 2026/27 at the soonest. I think we need a starting PG for the next couple of seasons and the playoffs. Last year the 5 seed went to the WCF, before that the 8 seed Heat made it to the NBA finals. I don’t think we are sunk this year, even without DDV. Moving Randle can improve us, the question is by how much? The best answer to that is by bringing back a starting PG.

[moss_is_1]

“ I don't think it would be use to tie up a big chunk of money into a 4th wing or 4th guard.” This is the key statement I disagree with. No DDV and bad Mike means we have Dilly as the only guard come playoff time. I hate this enough to say we need to fix it. Plus I don’t think Dilly will be a starting quality PG until 2026/27 at the soonest. I think we need a starting PG for the next couple of seasons and the playoffs. Last year the 5 seed went to the WCF, before that the 8 seed Heat made it to the NBA finals. I don’t think we are sunk this year, even without DDV. Moving Randle can improve us, the question is by how much? The best answer to that is by bringing back a starting PG.

2. NAW is not a guard. He is a terrible play maker, his handle cannot stand up to pressure defense, and his shot around the rim is questionable. NAW is a 3 and D whose best position is SF.

And we were in agreement that Naw is not a guard.

If we move Randle for a Pg we absolutely also need to be getting a backup big as well. We can't go into the playoffs with only Naz and Rudy as playable bigs. I'm not for moving Randle just for the sake of moving him.

[Klomp]

Read on Twitter

The area Julius Randle's defense has grown most this season is isolated post ups.

I think that's a huge development for all the Wolves' frontcourt configurations
- Randle + McDaniels (clip below): Allows them to get away with playing small-ball
- Randle + Reid: Provides relief for those overpowering matchups against the Sengun/Jokic/Sabonis types
- Randle + Gobert: Empowers the Gobert in the "spy off a non-shooter" look, which was huge against Denver last season -- with KAT on Jokic and Gobert spying

[shrink]

So he has a sense of humor! Talking about Mike Conley after his great game:

“I think he's starting to really turn the corner and find his rhythm,” Julius Randle said, via Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. “He's old as hell, so it takes older people a little bit longer. Now that it's game 50, hopefully he's caught his rhythm and we can get this thing going.”

[shrink]

I listened to Jon Krawcinski’s pod this morning, and he had some thoughts that I think reflect my own.

When Randle got here, the message that Ant and the coaching staff gave him was, “you just be you - well adapt around you!” The problem is that for NYK, they needed Randle to be a medium-efficiency bucket-getter. That Randle would hold the ball, probe, and prevent ball movement, except for maybe a late kick-out. He can certainly do that, but I think it makes Ant hold onto the ball too, and our best offense is when the ball flies around the court.

In the last month or so, Randle has been asked to do a lot of things he really hasn’t done before. Finch (correctly) got him playing more with the second unit. This group likes to run and play fast, and it helps Randle and motivates him. He is playing more of a point-forward role, and had 9 assists against CLE and 7 at MEM. We can use the playmaking, and his defense has improved as well.

Jon says that some fans often scapegoat Randle (especially with KAT rolling), but it’s unfair the way he’s been playing. He doesn’t say a Randle trade couldn’t happen, but he says it’s more unlikely than likely, MIN just needs more continuity.

[TimberKat]

I listened to Jon Krawcinski’s pod this morning, and he had some thoughts that I think reflect my own.

When Randle got here, the message that Ant and the coaching staff gave him was, “you just be you - well adapt around you!” The problem is that for NYK, they needed Randle to be a medium-efficiency bucket-getter. That Randle would hold the ball, probe, and prevent ball movement, except for maybe a late kick-out. He can certainly do that, but I think it makes Ant hold onto the ball too, and our best offense is when the ball flies around the court.

In the last month or so, Randle has been asked to do a lot of things he really hasn’t done before. Finch (correctly) got him playing more with the second unit. This group likes to run and play fast, and it helps Randle and motivates him. He is playing more of a point-forward role, and had 9 assists against CLE and 7 at MEM. We can use the playmaking, and his defense has improved as well.

Jon says that some fans often scapegoat Randle (especially with KAT rolling), but it’s unfair the way he’s been playing. He doesn’t say a Randle trade couldn’t happen, but he says it’s more unlikely than likely, MIN just needs more continuity.

Yes, that is how I feel too. Randle trade is very unlikely if you want value coming back. He has played a lot better lately in terms of defense and ball movement, if only he could fix his 3pt shot. He also needs to post up more.

[BlacJacMac]

I listened to Jon Krawcinski’s pod this morning, and he had some thoughts that I think reflect my own.

When Randle got here, the message that Ant and the coaching staff gave him was, “you just be you - well adapt around you!” The problem is that for NYK, they needed Randle to be a medium-efficiency bucket-getter. That Randle would hold the ball, probe, and prevent ball movement, except for maybe a late kick-out. He can certainly do that, but I think it makes Ant hold onto the ball too, and our best offense is when the ball flies around the court.

In the last month or so, Randle has been asked to do a lot of things he really hasn’t done before. Finch (correctly) got him playing more with the second unit. This group likes to run and play fast, and it helps Randle and motivates him. He is playing more of a point-forward role, and had 9 assists against CLE and 7 at MEM. We can use the playmaking, and his defense has improved as well.

Jon says that some fans often scapegoat Randle (especially with KAT rolling), but it’s unfair the way he’s been playing. He doesn’t say a Randle trade couldn’t happen, but he says it’s more unlikely than likely, MIN just needs more continuity.

Yes, that is how I feel too. Randle trade is very unlikely if you want value coming back. He has played a lot better lately in terms of defense and ball movement, if only he could fix his 3pt shot. He also needs to post up more.

Its probably too late for that. 11 years in and he's a career 33% shooter. He has one clear outlier season 5 years ago, but has never come close to repeating that (his next best 2 seasons are 34%).

[TimberKat]

I listened to Jon Krawcinski’s pod this morning, and he had some thoughts that I think reflect my own.

When Randle got here, the message that Ant and the coaching staff gave him was, “you just be you - well adapt around you!” The problem is that for NYK, they needed Randle to be a medium-efficiency bucket-getter. That Randle would hold the ball, probe, and prevent ball movement, except for maybe a late kick-out. He can certainly do that, but I think it makes Ant hold onto the ball too, and our best offense is when the ball flies around the court.

In the last month or so, Randle has been asked to do a lot of things he really hasn’t done before. Finch (correctly) got him playing more with the second unit. This group likes to run and play fast, and it helps Randle and motivates him. He is playing more of a point-forward role, and had 9 assists against CLE and 7 at MEM. We can use the playmaking, and his defense has improved as well.

Jon says that some fans often scapegoat Randle (especially with KAT rolling), but it’s unfair the way he’s been playing. He doesn’t say a Randle trade couldn’t happen, but he says it’s more unlikely than likely, MIN just needs more continuity.

Yes, that is how I feel too. Randle trade is very unlikely if you want value coming back. He has played a lot better lately in terms of defense and ball movement, if only he could fix his 3pt shot. He also needs to post up more.

Its probably too late for that. 11 years in and he's a career 33% shooter. He has one clear outlier season 5 years ago, but has never come close to repeating that (his next best 2 seasons are 34%).

Use Brook Lopez as inspiration?

[BlacJacMac]

Yes, that is how I feel too. Randle trade is very unlikely if you want value coming back. He has played a lot better lately in terms of defense and ball movement, if only he could fix his 3pt shot. He also needs to post up more.

Its probably too late for that. 11 years in and he's a career 33% shooter. He has one clear outlier season 5 years ago, but has never come close to repeating that (his next best 2 seasons are 34%).

Use Brook Lopez as inspiration?

He's definitely the exception, but I don't think its a comparable situation.

Lopez attempted SEVEN 3s over his first SIX years. Then went 1/10 in his 7th year and 2/14 in his 8th.

And then he went 134/387 in his 9th season and never looked back.

Randle already has over 2400 attempts.

[Loaf_of_bread]

So, I took a massive dump today, and my backside didn't feel all that great.. was trying to work my way out of it, and noticed that the way I was prancing around is similar to how Randle prances around the court.

[TimberKat]

So, I took a massive dump today, and my backside didn't feel all that great.. was trying to work my way out of it, and noticed that the way I was prancing around is similar to how Randle prances around the court.

Yes, he does move like humpty dumpty.

[winforlose]

The Wolves have played 13 games so far in 2025. In the game thread from yesterday’s win over Denver there was a discussion of Randle’s improved play and fit. I used BB ref and got the data together I thought I would share it here, and refine it a bit.

Randle’s average in 2025 are 16.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 2.8 TOS per game, and 22.6% from deep. Finally Randle has scored 213 points on 175 shots for 1.22 points per shot attempt.

Randle’s season averages thus far are in 45 games played
18.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.6 AST per game, 2.9 TOs per game, and 32.7% from deep. Randle has scored 851 points this season on 633 FGA. That is 1.34 points per shot attempt.

Is this a significant improvement when you factor in the shooting stump? I will let you decide. Does this address the full picture of Randle’s fit with his teammates, no it does not. But this is the best picture of Randle’s individual performance I can get for this calendar year.

Everything below is quoting myself from the other thread for raw numbers.

So I got curious and I checked, Julius Randle has 64 ASTs and 36 TOs in 2025 so far. 64/36 1.8 ASTs/TO. I am sorry, but that might look better for the eye test, but it is not a great formula for winning in April.

Some other good information

Randle’s has hit 12 out of 53 3PAs this year. 12/53 =0.226%
Randle has 106 rebounds this month in 24 games. 106/13 =8.154.
Randle has scored 213 points in 13 games this month. 213/13 =16.385
To score 213 points Randle took 175 shots. 175/13 =13.462
16.385 PPG and 13.462 FGA per game. 16.385/13.462 =1.217 points per shot.

The way you sell Randle to a fan base is not his point forward skills, it is the fact that even in a terrible shooting slump from deep he is still scoring at an efficient clip and rebounding.

[Klomp]

Read on Twitter

I know Horton is focusing on Ant here, but I want to highlight Julius. These are the kinds of things that I think make a huge difference down the stretch and into the playoffs.

His ability to attack with Ant off-ball is the sort of thing that was sorely lacking against Dallas last May. Defensively, the fact that he can get up and make a play like that just opens up more lineup possibilities.

[FrenchMinnyFan]

I don't like Randle but if he stay, this is the way to use it. His ability to score mid range is a huge plus as he is the only one who make it. Just don't let him shoot 3 as he has never been a good 3 pts shooter and we got plenty, ANT, NAZ, Mike, NAW.... he seems to move his a.... in defense too. I am still for a trade and start NAZ but think if we don't have a good deal, we can find a way to improve with him.