Julius Randle spoke to the media ahead of the Timberwolves‘ playoff series against the Lakers. While addressing a question on missing last season’s playoffs due to injury, Randle took a subtle shot at his former team, the Knicks. “This is one of the few times — probably really the only time in my whole career — I feel like I have a chance to really play for something,” he said to the Timberwolves media when asked about how his hunger is different coming into this series.
Also, Randle took a playful jab at his former rival and now head coach of the Lakers, JJ Redick: “I hate JJ,” he said while media members broke out in laughter.
When Randle was drafted by the Lakers, Redick played for their LA rivals, the Clippers. In their head-to-head record, JJ Redick dominates their matchup, being 10-3 up in the 13 games they have both played against each other.
Julius Randle Playoff History
Julius Randle played 15 playoff games with the Knicks spread across two seasons. The first run was in 2020-21, where the Knicks were eliminated in 5 games of the first round. Whereas the second run was in 2022-23, when the Knicks were eliminated in the second round. Randle’s comment now seems like a subtle jab at the Knicks’ failing to be real contenders in the playoffs in the past.
Julius Randle was expected to play as the X-factor in the Knicks’ playoff run in 2020-21. Jalen Brunson had only recently been given the reins to run the ball at the Knicks, so Randle was expected to step up. However, Atlanta stunned the Knicks, and despite Randle’s valiant efforts in Games 4 and 5, the Knicks lost that series in 2020-21 in five games. Randle averaged 18 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in this series.
In their second stint, Randle seemed to have fallen in the ranks of the Knicks’ offensive system while Brunson took over completely. Randle only averaged 16.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over the 10 games he played. Miami stunned the Knicks in the second round after they cruised past the Cavaliers in the first round. After failing to play in the playoffs last season due to a shoulder injury, Randle now returns to the playoffs with the Timberwolves.
Randle: The Difference Maker For Minnesota’s Playoff Hopes?
Julius Randle could be the key in deciding whether Minnesota will be able to defeat the Lakers. Here’s why: Anthony Edwards will be on top of the Lakers’ scouting report, and they can make one of two decisions. If they fully focus on stopping Anthony Edwards, Randle will find multiple open chances on transition and pick-and-roll plays. He has shown that he can consistently produce 18+ points per game, so his contributions could be crucial there. If the Lakers focus on stopping all other sources of offense for Minnesota other than Edwards, then it will depend on Randle how well he can draw the defenders away from Edwards.
It is more likely that Randle gets the open looks while Edwards draws away the defense, so if Randle thinks he has a real shot to win it all this season, he will have to step up and generate offense. Randle’s future with the Timberwolves could be decided by how he performs in the playoffs. He has a player option in 2025-26 in his contract, but he might decline it for a more lucrative deal with Minnesota. It all likely hinges upon how well his playing style fits with Anthony Edwards in the playoffs. Since Randle replaced Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota, a lot more expectations ride on his shoulders.
