NBA insider gives key update on Julius Randle's highly-anticipated preseason debut with Timberwolves amid recovery
Three-time NBA All-Star Julius Randle's trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves became official on Oct. 2, but he has yet to make his preseason debut. Both Donte DiVincenzo and Karl-Anthony Towns, the two other major pieces included in this deal, have already made their respective debuts.
Fans who are excited to see Randle on his new team might not have to wait long to see him in action. According to NBA Insider Shams Charania, Randle is working towards his return to action.
He said that Randle is not expected to play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday (Oct. 11), but could be making his preseason debut next week.
Charania shared this positive update with Malika Andrews on "NBA Today."
"Julius Randle is not expected to make his Minnesota Timberwolves unofficial preseason debut," Charania said. "But the hope and likelihood is that Julius Randle will be debuting at some point next week. The Timberwolves have two preseason games before the regular season gets underway."
Charania also shared that Randle has been focusing on strengthening his injured shoulder. He and the Wolves are also reportedly ensuring that he is already fully recovered before he sets foot on the court.
After the Wolves face the Sixers, they have another preseason game on Sunday (Oct. 13), which just happens to be against the New York Knicks.
However, according to Charania's report, Randle will not be ready by then but will likely make his preseason debut either against the Chicago Bulls (Oct. 16) or the Denver Nuggets (Oct. 18).
Randle missed nearly half of the Knicks' games last season. He was a consistent presence for the team early on, playing in all 46 of their games before he got sidelined due to a dislocated shoulder.
He last played against the Miami Heat on Jan. 27, 2024, before his injury. He underwent surgery for it and missed the rest of the season including the playoffs.
Also read: "I really found my niche" - Julius Randle fondly reminisces time spent in New York in farewell to favorite F&B spots
Julius Randle shares his feelings regarding his trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves
Julius Randle was traded from one contending team to another, placing him in an ideal situation. During a Wolves practice session after the trade, the media got to speak with Randle. One report asked him how he felt about his new situation with his new team.
Randle said that he was "happy" and "excited" to be where he is. He recognized that trades, even ones that include stars, don't always work favorably. However, knowing what the Wolves did last season, he is positive that he can contribute to the Wolves' quest for a championship.
"At this stage in my career, the only important thing is winning," Randle added.
When healthy, Julius Randle is one of the most reliable scorers in the league. He has averaged over 20 points per game in five of the last six seasons. Additionally, he is also a reliable rebounder.
However, he isn't quite as good a 3-point-shooter as Karl-Anthony Towns. Randle has shot over 40% from beyond the arc in a season only once in his career (2020-21). He has four different seasons where he made over 30% and an equal number of campaigns where he shot under that mark.
Regardless, he is a reliable weapon on offense who will bring a new dimension to the Wolves' schemes.