Minnesota Timberwolves Get Positive Update on Julius Randle Injury

By Andrew Buller-Russ |

Updated: Oct 12, 2024

Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves — Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Just over two weeks have passed since the initial news broke about the Minnesota Timberwolves trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. KAT has played in two preseason games for the Knicks. DiVincenzo has played in both of the Timberwolves’ preseason games too.

Yet, Randle, the biggest piece coming back to Minnesota, has yet to share the floor with his teammates in an exhibition game. What gives?

The truth is, Randle hasn’t played in an NBA game since January 27th, when he sustained a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery. But the Timberwolves aren’t concerned about the health of their new two-time All-NBA power forward.

Minnesota Timberwolves being ‘super cautious’ with Julius Randle, who will play soon

We haven’t heard or seen much from Julius Randle since the trade. Well, we know he’s excited to be in Minnesota and is already taking a liking to the local cuisine, but fans are still waiting to see how well he’ll fit in with his new teammates.

His time is coming, possibly even on Sunday, against his former New York Knicks, who the Timberwolves will face at 5 PM CT on ESPN.

According to coach Chris Finch, the Timberwolves are simply being “super cautious” with their new starting power forward after his shoulder surgery.

“It’s just the natural progression [coming off the shoulder injury last season]. He looks ready, we’re just being super cautious.”
Chris Finch on Julius Randle

Finch also added that Randle will play during the Timberwolves’ current road trip. This means he’ll either debut on Sunday at Madison Square Garden or on Wednesday in Chicago against the Bulls.

NBA insider Shams Charania added a bit more context to Randle’s ongoing injury recovery process.

“The last week or so has been really about strengthening that shoulder and making sure, from an organization perspective and Julius Randle himself, that he feels right. He feels 100% as far as his conditioning before he steps foot on that floor. But he has been working out. He’s been putting in work, today, yesterday, and he’s been fitting in well, by all accounts.”
Shams Charania on Randle

"The hope and likelihood is that [Julius] Randle will be debuting at some point next week." 👀

—@ShamsCharania on Julius Randle's training camp and status with the Wolves ✍️ pic.twitter.com/eaxjgJ8agT
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 11, 2024

The Timberwolves only have three preseason games left, with their finale coming on Thursday against the Nuggets. The season officially tips off on Tuesday, Oct. 22, on the road against the Lakers on TNT.