How teams survive the minutes when their star player is off the court is generally a massive problem around the league. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Denver Nuggets are 17.7 points per 100 possessions better with Nikola Jokic on the court, the Milwaukee Bucks are 21.2 points per 100 possessions better with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are 7.4 points per 100 possessions better with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the court.
I don't want to bore you, but the list goes on and on. However, for the Minnesota Timberwolves, that's not a problem.
The Wolves are actually 7.7 points per 100 possessions worse overall and just 2.2 points per 100 possessions better on offense with Anthony Edwards on the court. This isn't to disparage Ant -- there's no denying that he is a top-five-level player, an elite all-around scorer, and arguably the best clutch scorer in the league.
My point, rather, is that the Wolves' incredible scoring options outside of Edwards -- most notably Julius Randle turn what should be a weakness into a clear strength.
Randle helps the Wolves' offense thrive without Edwards
The likes of Jaden McDaniels, Donte DiVincenzo, Naz Reid, Rudy Gobert, and Bones Hyland all help the Wolves maintain success when Edwards is off the court or out of the lineup entirely. Nevertheless, there's no denying that Randle is the biggest catalyst for the Wolves' success in the non-Edwards minutes.
In lineups with Randle but without Edwards, the Wolves have a plus-6.6 net rating and a 119.5 offensive rating. Furthermore, the Wolves are 5-3 without Edwards this season, with Randle averaging 25.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists during these games. Tuesday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks, in which Randle poured in 28 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, is the latest example.
Monster performance from Randle without Ant or Gobert in the lineup. 1.5 points per direct ISO, 77.8 eFG% overall pic.twitter.com/DFqPAbGiqt
— ALL NBA Podcast (@ALLCITY_NBA) January 14, 2026
Randle's ability to deliver first-option level production in games or minutes without Edwards is a true luxury for the Wolves.
Many co-stars excel at playing off their superstars but struggle without them. However, Randle's playstyle makes it easier to maintain a high level of offense without Edwards. Specifically, the 6-foot-9 forward is a prolific shot creator and playmaker.
According to Basketball Index, Randle ranks in the 94th percentile for isolation shot making and the 95th percentile for isolation efficiency. Additionally, he ranks in the 90th percentile for playmaking talent and the 88th percentile for on-ball gravity.
Randle uses his brute strength to abuse mismatches and create easy shots around the rim. His scoring gravity often creates open shots for his teammates, which Randle takes advantage of primarily on drive-and-kick passes. Randle's ability to make the right read while receiving immense defensive pressure is an incredibly impactful yet underrated skill. He can also be used as a high-post playmaking hub.
Ultimately, getting this blend of scoring and playmaking prowess from your second option is rare. This luxury of maintaining a high level of offense without your best player can be matched by very few teams around the league. Jalen Brunson and Jaylen Brown are the only superstars who have similar on/off swings to Ant.
In the playoffs, being able to generate high-quality offense outside of Edwards will be a massive advantage for the Timberwolves.