Major setback for New York Knicks: Julius Randle to undergo surgery, season ended

After a valiant effort to return to the court for the New York Knicks, All-NBA forward Julius Randle faces a season-ending setback. Sources close to the situation informed ESPN on Thursday that Randle will undergo surgery on his right shoulder.

Randle's absence from the lineup has been notable since he dislocated his shoulder on January 27. Despite two months of rigorous rehabilitation, his aspirations of returning before the Eastern Conference playoffs have been dashed. Recent consultations with medical professionals have rendered the decision for surgery as imperative due to concerns over potential long-term damage if he were to resume play without it.

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The surgery, sources indicate, is expected to facilitate a complete recovery for Randle, potentially positioning him for a return around the onset of the 2024-25 season. Acting swiftly to undergo the procedure affords him the necessary time for rehabilitation, aiming for this timeline.

For the Knicks, Randle's absence presents a significant challenge. The team showed promise with a 12-2 record when Randle and OG Anunoby were on the court together, boasting the league's top-ranked defense during those matchups. Despite coping without both Randle and Anunoby for the past two months, the Knicks find themselves in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, just one game shy of the third seed.

Looking ahead, Randle's recovery coupled with the potential return of Anunoby could position the Knicks as formidable contenders in the Eastern Conference next season.

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Randle's impact on the court this season has been undeniable. Averaging 24 points on 47% shooting, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, he earned his third All-Star selection. Notably, he enjoyed a streak of 19 consecutive games with 20 points or more, marking the longest such streak in his career according to ESPN Stats & Information.

This setback is particularly poignant for Randle, who had played in all 46 games for the Knicks before his injury against the Miami Heat. Twice recognized as a second-team All-NBA performer with the Knicks in 2021 and 2023, Randle's contributions have been integral to the team's success.

This isn't Randle's first encounter with rehabilitation. He underwent ankle surgery in the summer of 2023 after persevering through an injury to compete in the late season and playoffs for New York.

As the Knicks navigate the remainder of the season without their star forward, hopes are pinned on a successful surgery and a swift recovery for Julius Randle.