{"id":101070,"date":"2024-10-14T10:19:12","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T14:19:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=101070"},"modified":"2024-10-14T10:19:12","modified_gmt":"2024-10-14T14:19:12","slug":"timberwolves-new-star-julius-randle-talks-injury-expectations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/10\/14\/timberwolves-new-star-julius-randle-talks-injury-expectations\/","title":{"rendered":"New Timberwolves Star Julius Randle Talks Injury, Expectations"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Minnesota Timberwolves didn\u2019t make the decision to trade Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a> lightly. Towns is a former first overall pick and four-time All-Star who spent his entire career in the Twin Cities. Just as importantly, he arguably has the softest touch on his jumper, making him a rare weapon as a 7-footer. Yet, when the Timberwolves had the opportunity to send him to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle<\/a> and Donte DiVincenzo<\/a>, it\u2019s a deal they couldn\u2019t pass up.<\/p>\n

Many have made it seem as if the inclusion of a 2025 first round pick was the icing on the cake. However, the first-rounder that the Timberwolves received comes by way of the Detroit Pistons and is top-13 protected. In other words, it\u2019s unlikely that the pick will be conveyed next year, as the Pistons are likely to be in the bottom-third of the NBA standings. Just last season, they lost 68 games; a franchise record.<\/p>\n

As much as Minnesota hopes that the pick they receive from New York turns into a lottery player, it\u2019s far from a guarantee. What they know they do have is Randle, who has actually earned more All-Star selections (3) than Towns has over the past four seasons, and DiVincenzo.<\/p>\n

New Timberwolves Star Julius Randle Talks Injury, Expectations<\/h2>\n

On Sunday, the Knicks took on the Timberwolves in a preseason matchup. Towns and Anthony Edwards<\/a> exchanged jerseys, the latter even joking (?) that he would love to reunite<\/a> in New York. DiVincenzo had at least two heated exchanges with members of the Knicks coaching staff.<\/p>\n

Randle conducted a sideline interview with ESPN reporter Cassidy Hubbarth, speaking on his time in the Big Apple. He also touched on his injury status after a dislocated shoulder<\/a> ended his 2023-24 campaign in late January. The 29-year-old told Hubbarth that he \u201cfeels great\u201d and is \u201cextremely close\u201d to making his Timberwolves debut (h\/t ESPN host Malika Andrews).<\/p>\n

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Julius Randle tells @CassidyHubbarth<\/a> he \u201cfeels great\u201d and is \u201cextremely close\u201d to making his debut for the Timberwolves.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) October 13, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n