While we are only 15 games into the season, Julius Randle is in the midst of a career year. He is averaging 25 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 52.4/37/83.3 shooting splits. Whether it's shot creation, spot-up shooting, playmaking, or on-ball defense, Randle is doing everything for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season.
Minnesota has made back-to-back conference finals. However, the Wolves are, of course, trying to make their first NBA Finals appearance and ultimately win their first championship. Randle's play is exactly what the Wolves need to get over the hump and make a championship leap.
Julius Randle is the perfect co-star next to Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards never had a dependable shot creator next to him until Randle arrived from New York. Needless to say, this has helped Ant a lot. Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards is a perfect example of how Randle benefits Edwards and the Wolves. Despite Ant shooting 6-20 from the field, Minnesota won by 11, off the heels of a 32-point 11-19 shooting night from Randle.
Yes, this is against the lowly Wizards. Regardless, the point in games where Edwards struggles or receives too much pressure from the defense, Randle can step up and provide No. 1 option-level production. When both Edwards and Randle are on, the Wolves are a true matchup nightmare. Seriously, how do you guard that?
Having an elite co-star in Randle undoubtedly will benefit Edwards and the Wolves in the biggest moments.
Impressively, Randle ranks in the 91st percentile for points per isolation possession, and at times, he's led the league in this stat. 52.7 percent of Randle's made field goals are unassisted. Additionally, his 29.3 usage rate ranks in the 95th percentile for his position per Cleaning the Glass.
death, taxes, and Randle ISOs being efficient pic.twitter.com/qgkmCzfAPF
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Big Ju has always been an elite bruiser and quality finisher. However, he's reached a new level this season, shooting a career-high 74.4 percent at the rim. Likewise, Randle is shooting 60.5 percent on 5.7 drives per game. Randle's 37 percent from beyond the arc is the second-highest mark of his career. His scoring versatility is truly remarkable, and it opens up everything for the Wolves.
Randle's all-around impact
As mentioned earlier, Randle isn't just scoring, though. Randle's 6.1 assists lead the Wolves, with Mike Conley's 3.7 assists behind him. Edwards and Randle have both taken on more ball-handling duties. But Randle has been the team's best playmaker both as an offensive hub and drive-and-kick passer.
With a new look starting lineup, the Wolves have been operating using a point guard by committee approach, and Randle is a key part of that. Having Randle alleviate some of the playmaking duties from Edwards is also extremely beneficial to the 24-year-old star.
Randle's defense hasn't been perfect, especially when he's asked to play out of position as a center. Nevertheless, his on-ball defense has been stellar, holding opponents to 43.4 percent shooting. He remains a lockdown on-ball defender, which will benefit the Wolves in the playoffs, much like it did last year.
Ultimately, Randle's well-rounded impact certainly boosts the Wolves' title chances. It will be a difficult task in a grueling Western Conference, but Randle gives the Timberwolves a real chance to make a finals run.