Steve Kerr was not expecting Julius Randle to author his Warriors downfall. Randle had two disappointing postseasons with the Knicks as he battled injuries. When he was traded to the Timberwolves this offseason, many felt the Knicks had won the deal while landing Karl Anthony-Towns.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are 8-2 in the NBA Playoffs and back in the Western Conference Finals. Perhaps the biggest reason why is Julius Randle's ascent.

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle compared Anthony Edwards to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Fast forward a few months, and Minnesota is headed back to the conference finals in no small part because of Randle, who continued the best stretch of basketball of his postseason -- and probably professional -- life with 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting on Wednesday as the Wolves eliminated the Warriors in five games.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Julius Randle got some friendly advice from his son Kyden after Game 4 on Monday.

That’s my guy,’ Randle said, ‘… just his trust and belief in me, the ability to adjust throughout the season.’

Aaron Gordon might be the gold standard of the "struggling leading man to role player" transformation right now. After never finding his place in Orlando, he has become Mr. Nugget in Denver by giving up the on-ball portion of his offensive game,