Julius Randle is making a statement that the NBA can't ignore

When discussing some of the best co-stars in the league, I don't think many players can be named before Julius Randle. The 6-foot-9 forward has an incredible blend of shot creation and playmaking, which complements Anthony Edwards perfectly. And when Edwards is off the court or out of the lineup entirely, Randle allows the Minnesota Timberwolves to maintain a high-level offense -- this is a true luxury.

We are just weeks away from the All-Star teams being announced, and I think Randle has done enough to earn this honor for the fourth time in his career, even in a loaded Western Conference. Randle is averaging an impressive 22.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 49.6/34/80.4 shooting splits.

As the second-best player on a top-four team in the West, Randle certainly deserves an All-Star spot. Especially considering that Edwards has missed nine games, and Randle has looked like a first option in these games. Without Edwards, Randle is averaging 27.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.

While I can't say confidently that Randle will make the All-Star team, I can say confidently that he deserves it.

Randle's All-Star case is clear

Fair or not, having a statement "All-Star game" shortly before voting closes could be a factor, and Randle had just that during Friday's game against the Houston Rockets. Big Ju racked up 39 points and looked unstoppable as a scorer. While the Rockets ended up winning by five points, Randle did everything it took to keep the Wolves in the game without Edwards.

This game felt fitting to me since it came against Alperen Şengün, who many people have above Randle on their All-Star teams. Şengün had a productive game in his own right, putting up 25 points and 14 rebounds. Nevertheless, Randle was taking it to Şengün on offense -- he shot 3-for-4 from the field against the 22-year-old center.

With all due respect to Şengün, I would give Randle the edge over him in terms of All-Star voting. The West starters seem fairly consensus, but the reserves are where it gets interesting. In addition to Randle, I would have Stephen Curry (arguably could start), Jamal Murray, Kevin Durant, Deni Avdija, Kawhi Leonard, and Devin Booker. Şengün, Lauri Markkanen, and Chet Holmgren are my toughest cuts.

Markkanen's lack of winning holds him back, while Holmgren's lack of consistent offensive production and aggression (17.9 ppg) hurts his case. Şengün is the closest one to me. However, when comparing him to Randle, it's hard to argue who's more important to their respective team.

Şengün's production (21.6/9.2/6.4) is nearly identical to Randle's. Nevertheless, Amen Thompson is a more dependable third option than Jaden McDaniels (that hurts to say), and Durant has been more available than Edwards. The Wolves' offense is an absurd 14.5 points per 100 possessions better with Randle on the court, yet the Rockets' offense is just 3.5 points per 100 possessions better with Şengün on the court.

You might think Şengün is a better player, but I think it's hard to argue he's been more important to his team's success. Ultimately, it's hard to argue that Randle doesn't at the very least have a strong case to be named to the All-Star team.