Julius Randle is making a statement that the NBA cannot ignore

When talking about some of the best co-stars in the league, I don’t think many players can be mentioned ahead of Julius Randle. The 6-foot-1 forward has an incredible mix of shot creation and playmaking, which complements Anthony Edwards perfectly. And when Edwards isn’t on the field or in the lineup at all, Randle allows the Minnesota Timberwolves to maintain a high-level offense — this is a real luxury.

We’re just a few 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 a whopping 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 Edwards has missed nine games and Randle looked like a top option in those games. Without Edwards, Randle is averaging 27.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

While I can’t say with certainty that Randle will make the All-Star team, I can say with certainty that he deserves it.

Randle’s All-Star case is clear

Fair or not, having an “All-Star game” declaration shortly before voting closes could be a factor, and Randle had just that during Friday’s game against the Houston Rockets. Big Ju scored 39 points and seemed unstoppable as a scorer. While the Rockets ultimately won by five points, Randle did everything he could to keep the Wolves in the game without Edwards.

This game felt appropriate to me because it was against Alperen Şengün, who many above Randle have on their All-Star teams. Şengün had a productive game in his own right, with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Nevertheless, Randle took it to Şengün on offense, shooting 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 All-Star voting. The West starters seem to have a reasonable consensus, but things get interesting with the reserves. Besides Randle, I’d have Stephen Curry (who could probably 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 wins is holding him back, while Holmgren’s lack of consistent offensive production and aggression (17.9 ppg) is hurting his cause. Şengün is closest to me. However, when comparing him to Randle, it’s hard to argue who is more important to their respective team.

Şengün’s production (21.6/9.2/6.4) is almost identical to Randle’s. Still, Amen Thompson is a more reliable third option than Jaden McDaniels (that hurts to say), and Durant is more available than Edwards. The Wolves’ offense is an absurd 14.5 points per 100 possessions better with Randle on the court, but the Rockets’ offense is only 3.5 points per 100 possessions better with Şengün on the court.

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