Julius Randle has weathered some ups and downs throughout his NBA career – perhaps none more significant than the broken leg he suffered in the first contest of his rookie campaign. 

After being drafted to the Los Angeles Lakers as a lottery pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, following his college career with Kentucky, Randle was immediately sidelined, putting his professional career on hold just as it was about to take off. 

Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) on X Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards this season: Julius Randle ▪️ 25.4 PTS ▪️ 53.9% FG ▪️ 40.0% 3PT ▪️ 6.2 AST ▪️ 7.2 REB Anthony Edwards ▪️ 30.8 PTS (excluding injury game) ▪️ 50.4% FG ▪️ 50.0% 3PT ▪️ 3.8 AST ▪️ 4.6 REB ALL-STAR DUO ⭐️

However, despite the difficulty it undoubtedly posed at the time, in looking back on the injury, Randle has gratitude for the unfortunate situation. 

“I feel like me breaking my leg was the biggest blessing ever, as crazy as that sounds,” Randle said on a Nov. 6 episode of “The Young Man and The Three” podcast. “Because it’s a lot to be a 19-year-old kid, in L.A., playing with Kobe, making a lot of money now, and you’re just on your own. That’s a big adjustment. And it was tough. And I don’t know if mentally – and physically, obviously I was hurt – but I don’t know if mentally I was really ready for that jump. I just kind of had no choice but to go to the NBA.”

Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) on X Julius Randle spinning isolation midrange jumper

Randle went on to speak about some of the anxiety he felt in adjusting to a new role in the NBA, wondering if he was talented enough to play professionally after going from playing such important roles in high school and college to being a rookie in the league.

“I think the biggest thing is, you’re starting over,” Randle said. “You’re used to, you know, high school, you’re the man. You go to college, you’re the guy. And now you go to the NBA, it’s like, ‘No, you’re not the guy.’ You’re starting from ground zero, and you gotta work your way up. And mentally, that can take a toll. For me, that created a lot of anxiety, like ‘am I worthy?’ ‘Am I good enough?’ ‘Do I have what it takes?’ That was like the toughest adjustment for me. So me breaking my leg kind of allowed me just [to] reset and just watch and learn, and just evaluate.” 

Ultimately, Randle said being out with the injury taught him how to understand the work and grind it took to be in the league, and how to be a professional come his second year with the Lakers. 

Now Randle, who is in year 12 of his NBA career, has made it out the other side of that difficult period and has found his groove so far this season with the Timberwolves after trades and injuries had previously defined a lot of his journey.

Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) on X what can’t Ju do? 🤷‍♂️

Through 11 games played this season, Randle is averaging a career-high 25.4 points per game. He’s shooting 53.9% from the field and 40% from 3-point range, serving as a bona fide second option for Minnesota alongside Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves, who are currently on a three-game winning streak, play the Sacramento Kings at 8 p.m. EST on Nov. 14.