Julius Randle has been absent from the Knicks’ last 22 games due to a dislocated right shoulder. While he is making progress towards a comeback, doubts linger about his availability for New York, which could affect their chances in the playoffs.
According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Knicks are taking a cautious approach with Randle’s return. Despite Randle’s strong desire to play, there are concerns about the potential consequences of rushing him back into action.
While Randle has shown remarkable pain tolerance, there’s uncertainty about whether playing through the discomfort could worsen his condition and affect his performance.
Naturally, every competitive team wants their top players on the court, especially someone like Randle who was having an outstanding season before his injury.
However, if playing him risks aggravating his injury further, it may be wiser for the coaching staff to keep him sidelined.
The Knicks must handle the situation carefully. While they aim for Randle’s availability in the playoffs, it’s crucial to prioritize his health. The recent acquisitions of players like OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Alec Burks were made to bolster the team’s postseason prospects.
However, players need to be at their best or close to it for playoff success.
Fortunately, Mitchell Robinson is nearing his return from injury, and there’s optimism about Anunoby’s availability before the playoffs. If Randle isn’t fit to play, head coach Tom Thibodeau can rely on the depth of talent on the roster to remain competitive. Randle should prioritize his long-term health, even if it means sitting out for the time being.
