Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle is one of the more controversial players in the league. ESPN is unveiling its annual top 100 player rankings this week. On Wednesday, they released the Nos. 50-11 portion of the list. Randle fairly found himself ranked as the No. 42 player.
It could even be argued that Randle should be slightly higher, as some elite third options, including Aaron Gordon, Desmond Bane, and OG Anunoby, rank above Randle. Still, 42 is a reasonable spot for Randle, and none of the players ranked above him I would consider egregious.
Notably, this was a nice bump from his No. 48 ranking last season. This year tied Randle's highest mark from 2021. Randle has had his ups and downs in these rankings, falling as low as 71 in 2022. Nevertheless, it's clear that Randle has found the perfect home in Minnesota, and ESPN's ranking is evidence of this.
Randle's stellar season with the Timberwolves helped his ranking
Randle averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 48.5/34.4/80.6 shooting splits in the regular season. While Randle got off to somewhat of a slow start last year, he found his groove in the best way possible. His blend of shot creation and playmaking makes him the ideal co-star next to Anthony Edwards. Randle truly excelled in the playoffs, though, where he averaged 21.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 50.2/38.5/88 shooting splits.
Undoubtedly, this was the best playoffs of his career, and he especially thrived in the first two rounds. The playoffs highlight why Randle's skill set makes him a perfect fit next to Edwards, and it is a key reason why ESPN boosted his rankings. Randle signed a three-year $100 million extension this summer, and it's clear the Wolves view him as the co-star next to Edwards.
Randle's raw numbers might have been better with the New York Knicks. However, he's never been more impactful, and being traded to the Wolves unlocked a slightly different version of Randle. ESPN understands this about Randle with these rankings.
With options throughout the roster, including Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Rudy Gobert, and, of course, Edwards, the Wolves needed Randle to buy into a slightly lower usage role. Still, Randle has plenty of responsibilities as a creator and playmaker. His abilities as a passer are especially vital to a Timberwolves team that lacks playmaking.
As the Timberwolves aim to break through and make a title run, Randle will be crucial to the team's chances.