The NBA season has been full of curveballs, and we’re not even at the All-Star break yet. Between unexpected team surges, superstar absences, and a revamped All-Star format that’s still raising eyebrows, it’s safe to say this year has been anything but predictable.
Take the Oklahoma City Thunder, for example. For the first two months of the season, they looked borderline unstoppable-like a team ready to etch their name in history. But since December 11, they’ve come back to earth a bit, going 14-9 and reminding us how quickly things can shift in a long NBA season.
Injuries have been a major storyline, too. We’ve seen big names like Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and LeBron James miss significant time.
Giannis, for the first time, is reportedly open to the idea of moving on from Milwaukee. And beyond OKC, there’s a crowded field of contenders-at least a dozen teams that could talk themselves into a Finals run with the right trade deadline move.
And now, just to keep the chaos rolling, the NBA is bringing back a reworked All-Star Game format in a couple of weeks. Starters were announced recently, though the buzz was minimal-maybe because the game’s being broadcast on Peacock now. The All-Star break is supposed to be a celebration, but this year, it feels more like a puzzle.
One of the more surprising All-Star starter snubs? Anthony Edwards.
He lost out in a tie-breaker to Victor Wembanyama, thanks in part to fan voting that saw Deni Avdija draw more support than Edwards. That’s a tough pill to swallow.
Edwards is still a lock to be named a reserve-he’s just been too good not to make the cut. But he shouldn’t be the only Timberwolf heading to Los Angeles.
Enter Julius Randle.
At 31, in his 12th NBA season, Randle is putting together arguably the best campaign of his career. He’s been a model of consistency-playing in all 48 of Minnesota’s games so far-and he’s putting up 22.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game on 60% true shooting. That’s not just solid-it’s All-Star caliber.
He’s already a three-time All-Star from his days with the Knicks, and now he’s thriving as the second option behind Edwards on a Wolves squad that’s on pace for 50 wins and sitting just a half-game out of fourth in a jam-packed Western Conference. But the West is loaded, and the fight for those seven reserve spots is fierce.
The starting five from the West is already set: Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Steph Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Wembanyama. As for the reserves, there are a few near-locks: Edwards, Kevin Durant, Jamal Murray, and Avdija-who’s been on a tear for a resurgent Portland squad and is now the frontrunner for Most Improved Player.
All of them have strong cases. Edwards is Minnesota’s top guy.
Durant, even at 37, is still a top-tier force. Murray’s been phenomenal since Jokic went down, averaging 27.8 points and 8.5 assists.
And Avdija? He’s putting up eye-popping numbers and giving Portland real hope.
Then there’s the next tier-players fighting for what could be the final three reserve slots. Chet Holmgren is healthy and anchoring the league’s top defense.
Alperen Sengun continues to evolve into “Baby Jokic” in Houston. Devin Booker has the Suns climbing the standings again.
Kawhi Leonard has returned to form, leading the Clippers out of an early-season hole. James Harden, now in Year 18, is still producing.
And of course, LeBron James is gunning for a record-extending 22nd straight All-Star appearance, though he’s already missed 17 games this season.
Holmgren is the defensive backbone of a Thunder team still on pace for 65 wins and chasing a repeat title. Sengun might be the best player on one of the West’s top teams.
Booker has helped flip the narrative around the Suns, a team many had written off. Leonard is playing his best basketball in years and doing it for the All-Star host team.
And LeBron? Even with the missed games, it’s hard to imagine the league leaving him off the roster-especially if this turns out to be his final season.
So where does that leave Randle?
Right now, he’s probably on the outside looking in. He’s been a rock for Minnesota, especially stepping up during the 10 games Edwards has missed. But with so many stars having standout seasons, it’s a numbers game-and Randle might just fall short.
That said, there’s still a path for him to make it.
Injuries could open the door. Jokic has been sidelined since hyperextending his knee on December 29, and his status for the All-Star Game is up in the air. If he can’t go, the league may look to replace him with another international player to maintain roster balance, which could complicate things for Randle.
But if Edwards decides to rest his nagging foot injury over the break, that opens up an American roster spot. And what better replacement than his own teammate, who’s been right there with him all season?
Booker is also dealing with an ankle injury that could linger. If two or three injury replacements are needed-as is often the case-Randle could absolutely find himself in the mix.
It’s far from a guarantee, but Randle deserves the recognition. He’s been durable, efficient, and impactful on a winning team. Even if the All-Star nod doesn’t come through, his season has been a reminder of what he brings to the table-steady production, leadership, and the ability to rise when the moment calls for it.
So while the spotlight may be shining elsewhere right now, don’t sleep on Julius Randle. He’s quietly putting together a season worthy of All-Star consideration-and if a few dominoes fall, he just might get his ticket to L.A.