Julius Randle, the New York Knicks’ forward, has been sidelined for the past three weeks due to a dislocated right shoulder. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Randle expressed optimism about avoiding surgery, although he acknowledged that the decision is still pending.
“We’ll see. There’s still necessary steps. It’s a process to everything. I have to weigh out everything ultimately and decide from there,” he stated. “But right now I’m just focused on trying to avoid [surgery], obviously, and get back on the court as soon as I can.”
Julius Randle shares his thoughts on even if he does come back during the season, if he will eventually need to get something repaired: pic.twitter.com/B0GFMPWAqS
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 21, 2024
The prospect of avoiding surgery during the season is crucial for the Knicks, who aspire to make a deep playoff run with Randle’s contribution.
However, surgery might be inevitable in the offseason. Randle mentioned receiving various opinions from doctors, some advocating for surgery and others against it.
Tom Thibodeau gives an update on Julius Randle:
"He's doing well overall, but he just hasn't been cleared to practice yet. He's meeting all the markers and is moving around pretty good, so just take it day by day" pic.twitter.com/61AM9TF3Dr
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 20, 2024
“I like how I feel today as far as getting better, feeling stronger, progressing to where I need to be, as far as getting on the court,” he added. “But I’m never somebody to say never, so ultimately I have to do what’s best for myself to have a long career, have longevity in this. The training staff has been great, getting me back healthy and feeling better, so it’s a process.”
Regarding his current status, head coach Tom Thibodeau informed reporters on Tuesday that Randle has not yet been cleared to practice but is showing positive signs of progress.
"We're just taking it step by step, I think it's premature to say anything until you have all the information. Right now he's preparing to come back to play and he's putting a lot into it. He looks good."
– Tom Thibodeau on Julius Randle pic.twitter.com/pkQeRnRgva
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 21, 2024
“We’re just taking it step by step, I think it’s premature to say anything until you have all the information. Right now he’s preparing to come back to play and he’s putting a lot into it. He looks good,” said Thibodeau.
Randle echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing his focus on gradual improvement both physically and mentally.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have built a formidable team around Randle, with players like Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and key role players such as Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Mitchell Robinson (provided he returns from injury).
New York boasts the potential to become a defensive juggernaut, presenting challenges for top Eastern Conference teams.
Despite Randle’s absence, the 29-year-old has been delivering an outstanding season, averaging 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and five assists per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from three-point range.
While Brunson has taken on a prominent role, Randle’s scoring and rebounding prowess remain crucial for the Knicks’ championship aspirations.
