The New York Knicks announced that All-Star forward Julius Randle will undergo surgery on his right shoulder, forcing him to sit out the remainder of the season. Randle sustained the injury in January, dealing a significant blow to a Knicks team that had been performing well before his absence.
Randle's recovery timeline is set at five months, raising doubts about his availability for the start of the next season. The Knicks had been on a hot streak, winning 14 out of 16 games in January, tying a franchise record for most wins in a month.
Despite the setback, the Knicks are determined to focus on their current roster and push forward without Randle. Head coach Tom Thibodeau clarified that Randle opted for surgery after re-injuring his shoulder during a workout, despite ongoing efforts to rehab the injury without surgical intervention.
Randle, who was selected for his third All-Star appearance shortly before the injury, finishes the season with impressive averages of 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His absence has been keenly felt by the team, as they have slipped to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Thibodeau expressed confidence in Randle's decision to undergo surgery, emphasizing the player's dedication to his recovery process. While Randle's season has come to an early end, the Knicks remain hopeful about the return of fellow forward OG Anunoby, who has been sidelined due to injury.
As the regular season draws to a close and the playoffs loom, the Knicks face the challenge of regrouping without their star player. Randle's commitment to his rehabilitation journey and the team's resilience will be crucial factors as they navigate the remainder of the season.
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