“The Front-Runner to Get That Final Spot,” - Minnesota Timberwolves Linked to Former All-Rookie Player 9 Jan 22, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (left) talks with 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter Jr. after the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

'It’s Important to Have a Clear Mind' – Minnesota Timberwolves Star Admits to Smoking Weed During His New York Knicks Stint

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 8:12 AM ET

Julius Randle recently admitted he used to smoke weed regularly during his time with the New York Knicks. Now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Randle has quit the habit, which helped his mental state and disposition on and off the court.

“It’s definitely tough in today’s world, but I think it’s so important to have a clear mind and being able to be strong mentally and independent mentally without anything influencing you as far as substance or voice or whatever. Like, being able to store your own thoughts out,” Randle explained on the Change Your Brain Every Day podcast.

“I think one of the things with that, it made me distant and not present. Kind of just like would be in my own world. And I’m like, I’m fine. Like, this is what it is. My wife would be like, no, you’re just not present. Like, we’re having a conversation, you’re not really present. You’re with the kids, you’re not really present,” he added.

Jan 15, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) dribbles the ball past Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

In his first full season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Randle averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 48.5 percent shooting from the field across 69 regular season appearances. He was rewarded with a three-year, $100 million extension this summer.

Minnesota Timberwolves News: Julius Randle opened up on playing for the New York Knicks

Before joining the Minnesota Timberwolves last year, Julius Randle spent five years with the New York Knicks, and he reflected on his time with his former team. The three-time NBA All-Star admitted that he didn’t fully enjoy playing in New York.

Dec 6, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) reacts after being called for a foul against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (not pictured) during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

“It ain’t fun, it ain’t fun.” Randle told Vince Goodwill of Yahoo Sports. “You can’t really focus on the game, you’re focused on everything else other than the game itself.”

“You’re living and dying with every single shot, every single turnover, every single loss. It’s not a fun way to play. It’s exhausting,” he added.