It took relentless changes and a high patience threshold to figure things out in Minnesota. After losing Karl-Anthony Towns, the squad had to make major changes to their system. At first, Chris Finch struggled with how he could activate every one of his players who needed the ball in their hands. Notably, Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards found it challenging to mold their playstyles together. But the more the team has played, the answers have begun to unravel for Finch.

But rather than change anything about Randle or Edwards, the Wolves HC chose to pay attention to the third ball handler. He changed his focus on to Mike Conley, their 37-year-old point guard. In order to make space for an additional ball handler, Finch decided to pin him with the one player who he has played with longer than anybody else.

“He [KAT] didn’t need the ball in the same way that like Ant, Julius, and Mike all need the ball to be effective whether it be as scorers as or playmakers or both. So yeah it’s taken us a little while to figure out that balance um and like I said we knew coming down the stretch we’d had to get Mike going and so most of his minutes are with Rudy as you’ll see. So you know that chemistry predates us,” Finch explained.

The change provides the Timberwolves with a multitude of advantages. Namely, Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle get to dictate the game more often. Moreover, Conley doesn’t just become an occasional shooter. Playing with Gobert, he can utilize their two-man game to generate an offense for both himself and the French center.

Tonight, with the new plans, Conley poured 17 points in the game against the Pistons. He also recorded the best net differential at +24. While before Conley started to look like a stagnant presence. However, it seems Finch has found ways to revitalize the long-standing guard.

The one man taking charge in Minnesota

In a season full of adjustments, the likes of Mike Conley and even Dont DiVincenzo have had to learn a different system. But none have been asked to change the role as much as Julius Randle. Playing with Jalen Brunson, the former Knicks forward has always had a strong-minded group playing beside him. It never allowed for his leadership side to shine through.

But the Wolves needed an anchor to settle the nerves this season. And Randle has used his rich experience to manage things in Minnesota.

“Julius’ been playing great for us for the past two and a half months. He’s been that plug that we needed getting downhill for us creating shots for everybody including myself and playing fast, playing at a pace that we haven’t played at before he came back so it’s been great for us,” Anthony Edwards said about him.

Randle has been leading by example. By nature, the forward has a reputation for hunting for the basket first. But he’s put his natural game aside for the benefit of the team. And the culture improvements are vast. Finch sees it in the manner in which the former Lakers forward’s display on the court impacts the team.

“I think Julius’ leadership has been on display in other ways and that’s his you know willingness to kind of accept and thrive in his new role that we need him to do. You know he’s leading by example out there. His energy play, had a huge block tonight he’s making tons of those types of plays now… And you know’s certainly from a physical point of view he’s not backing down from anybody,” the Wolves head coach said complimenting Julius Randle.

He’s had to change not just the way he plays, but Randle is a voice the Wolves locker room listens to. With his contributions, there is a structure the team is able to follow. And in their quest to make the playoffs, it’s critical for them to have some order. Julius Randle seems to be leading the way in achieving that.