Knicks’ Playoff Hopes Take a Hit with Randle’s Season-Ending Surgery
Kosport Magazine – Apr 4, 2024
The New York Knicks have been dealt a major blow as All-NBA forward Julius Randle will undergo season-ending right shoulder surgery. This news comes after two months of rehabilitation in hopes of returning to the court for the playoffs.
Randle, who has been out since dislocating his shoulder on January 27th, had been working tirelessly to make a comeback. However, doctors have advised him that it is unsafe to continue playing without surgery due to the instability in his shoulder.
“We wanted to take a look at, could we rehab it and strengthen it get it to the point where he could play?” said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. “And we could never get there, so this is the decision.”
The surgery is expected to allow for a full recovery and Randle is expected to return around the start of the 2024-25 season. This is a tough blow for the Knicks, who have shown promise of making a postseason run. With a record of 44-31, they are currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference and only one game out of the third seed.
“Tough blow for us, but we’ve just got to focus on what we have in the locker room and he’ll to be there to support us,” said Knicks forward Josh Hart.
Randle’s absence will be felt on both ends of the court, as he was averaging 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game this season. He had also earned his third All-Star selection and had a streak of 19 consecutive games with 20 points or more.
The Knicks will now have to rely on their depth and the leadership of players like Hart to make a push for the playoffs. But with Randle’s recovery and return next season, along with the re-signing of OG Anunoby, the Knicks could become one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Randle’s injury history is a concern, as he had offseason ankle surgery in 2023 and has twice been voted a second-team All-NBA performer with the Knicks. But with his determination and work ethic, there is no doubt that he will come back stronger than ever.
In the meantime, the Knicks will have to regroup and focus on finishing the season strong without their star player. It will be a tough challenge, but with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible.
Kosport Magazine – Knicks’ Playoff Hopes Take a Hit with Randle’s Season-Ending Surgery. Randle’s surgery is a major setback for the Knicks, who were hoping to make a postseason run. But with his recovery and return next season, along with the re-signing of OG Anunoby, the Knicks could become one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
