There's perhaps no Minnesota Timberwolves player who will benefit from the All-Star break more than Julius Randle. Simply recharging and refocusing is beneficial to all players. After being thrown around in trade rumors and looking disengaged at times on defense, it's clear Randle needs time to reset.
Additionally, missing out on the All-Star team despite there being four replacements should give Randle some extra motivation to closeout the season on a high note. Frankly, I was shocked that Brandon Ingram and De'Aaron Fox earned this honor over Randle. It sure seemed like Randle took exception to this during Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers as he racked up a season-high 41 points.
Among general NBA fans, Wolves fans, media members, and seemingly people within the league (All-Star voting), Randle clearly has his detractors. With an impressive end to the season and playoffs, though, Randle can silence these concerns once and for all. Say what you will about Randle, but there's no denying his importance to the Wolves' success as a co-star next to Anthony Edwards. In many ways, Randle's secondary shot creation and lead playmaking are what make the Wolves' offense work.
If Randle can close the season out on a strong note, the Wolves could earn a top-three seed and build some momentum heading into the playoffs.
Randle must close the season on a high note
I want to be clear, overall, Randle is still having a really good season. He is averaging 22.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. However, it's clear there's another level for him to reach, both in terms of defensive engagement and offensive consistency.
Randle playing up to his potential could help uplift the Wolves to new heights and set them up nicely for a deep playoff run. It's not exactly the same because Randle has been better this season overall, but his impressive stretch last season helped the Wolves build some momentum ahead of the playoffs. And in the first two rounds of the playoffs, Randle played some of the best basketball of his career.
After this, many of the concerns about his ability to perform in the playoffs were silenced. Yet after an underwhelming series against the Oklahoma City Thunder and inconsistent moments this season, doubts about Randle's game have reemerged. Undeniably, for the rest of this season and the playoffs, a lot of attention will be on Randle as he is perhaps the player who could swing the Wolves' title hopes the most.
Luckily, when he's at his best, Randle looks like a truly elite second option. Call me overly optimistic, but I feel confident that Randle will rise to the occasion for the rest of the year.