On Thursday morning, the New York Knicks were dealt a potentially crucial blow. All-NBA forward Julius Randle will miss the remainder of the season as he is set to undergo surgery on his right shoulder.
The hulking forward dislocated his shoulder on January 27 and has spent the past two months fighting to get back onto the court. However, Randle’s shoulder hasn’t responded well enough following two months of rehabilitation. According to ESPN sources, doctors warned Randle that instability in his shoulder made it unsafe to return to action this season.
Despite exhausting all alternatives to surgery and striving to make a comeback for the playoffs, the necessity of the procedure became more apparent following consultations with two specialists. Both cautioned against further play without surgery, citing the risk of exacerbating the injury and potential long-term damage to the shoulder.
Sources indicate that Randle’s surgery is anticipated to facilitate a complete recovery, positioning him to return around the start of the 2024-25 season.
For the Knicks, entering the playoffs without Randle is a tough break. Currently 44-31 and seeded fifth in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks were 12-2 when Randle and OG Anunoby — a key mid-season acquisition — played together. Additionally, the team had the league’s top-ranked defense with the two stars on the court.
Before injuring his shoulder, Randle averaged 24.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG and 5.0 APG in 46 games.
