When we talk about elite co-stars in the NBA, Julius Randle deserves to be near the top of that list - and not just because of his numbers. The 6-foot-9 forward has become a crucial piece for the Minnesota Timberwolves, offering a unique blend of shot creation, physicality, and playmaking that perfectly complements Anthony Edwards.
And when Edwards is out - whether it’s for a few minutes or a few games - Randle doesn’t just hold down the fort. He takes over.
That kind of versatility is a luxury most teams don’t have. With the All-Star break approaching, Randle’s name absolutely belongs in the conversation.
In a Western Conference loaded with talent, he’s making a strong case for his fourth All-Star selection. He’s currently averaging 22.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, shooting an efficient 49.6% from the field, 34% from deep, and 80.4% from the free-throw line.
That’s a well-rounded stat line - but the context makes it even more impressive.
The Timberwolves are a top-four team in the West, and Randle has been their rock, especially during the nine games Edwards has missed. In those contests, Randle has stepped into a lead role and delivered, averaging 27.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Those aren’t just good numbers - they’re “put-the-team-on-my-back” numbers.
And if you’re looking for a signature performance to stamp his All-Star case, look no further than Friday’s game against the Houston Rockets. Randle dropped 39 points in a high-intensity matchup that felt like a playoff preview. While the Wolves came up short on the scoreboard, Randle was dominant - bulldozing defenders, hitting tough shots, and keeping Minnesota in the fight without their franchise star.
What made that game even more interesting? It came against Alperen Şengün - one of the players Randle is directly competing with for an All-Star reserve spot.
Şengün had a strong night himself, posting 25 points and 14 boards, but Randle made a statement. He went 3-for-4 from the field when matched up against the 22-year-old center and looked like the more assertive, impactful player throughout the game.
Now, let’s be real: the West’s starting five seems mostly locked in. But the reserve spots?
That’s where things get tricky. If you’re building out the bench, Randle has to be in that mix.
Alongside names like Stephen Curry, Jamal Murray, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Devin Booker, and Deni Avdija, Randle more than holds his own. Şengün, Lauri Markkanen, and Chet Holmgren are right there too - but when you dig into the details, Randle has the edge.
Markkanen’s numbers are solid, but Utah’s lack of wins hurts his candidacy. Holmgren has had flashes of brilliance, but his offensive consistency and assertiveness (17.9 points per game) haven’t quite been there yet.
Şengün is the closest comparison to Randle - and their raw production is nearly identical. Şengün is putting up 21.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, and he’s been a huge part of Houston’s resurgence.
But the impact metrics tell a clearer story.
The Timberwolves’ offense is 14.5 points per 100 possessions better when Randle is on the floor. That’s not just a boost - that’s a transformation.
Compare that to the Rockets, who are just 3.5 points per 100 possessions better with Şengün out there. And while Şengün has a stronger supporting cast - with Amen Thompson emerging as a reliable third option - Randle has been asked to do more with less, especially when Edwards is sidelined.
So yes, you could argue Şengün is the better long-term prospect or the more versatile passer. But in terms of 2025-26 impact - in terms of who’s been more vital to their team’s success - it’s hard to make a stronger case than Randle’s.
Will he make the All-Star team? We’ll see.
But has he earned it? No question.