Fast forward to May 19: both the Knicks and Timberwolves are in the Conference Finals. Towns and New York defeated the No. 2-seeded Celtics in six games to advance, while Randle played a huge role in the Timberwolves’ semifinals series against the Warriors.

This postseason, Randle shined against the Lakers, who drafted him No. 7 overall in 2014 and let him walk in free agency four years later. Randle handled the primary matchup with LeBron James and averaged 22.6 points per game in a five-game series win over Los Angeles in the first round.

Did he know it then? In his first NBA game? When the rookie drove to the hoop and there was a “pop” sound, followed by his foot collapsing beneath him? Broken t

On the other side of the bracket, a story has developed that should intrigue and maybe surprise Knicks fans. Julius Randle, the former playoff bust in New York, emerged as a two-w

The Minnesota Timberwolves wouldn’t be where they are if it weren’t for Julius Randle, whom they acquired last summer from the New York Knicks in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns.

The possibility that the Timberwolves, fresh off a conference finals run, might have actually gotten better by swapping out Towns for Julius Randle was hardly considered.  If anything, the Randle fit with Minnesota was largely derided.

If the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks manage to reach the NBA Finals, it could be a fascinating story the league has had in years. They are two hardworking teams that haven’t won a championship in a long time.

Many viewed the Timberwolves' acquisition of Randle as a misstep for the franchise. Instead, the forward has blossomed and played an instrumental role in the team's return to the conference finals.