New York Knicks forward Julius Randle hasn’t played a game since Jan. 27.
Dislocating his right shoulder in a collision with Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., the 29-year-old was forced to miss not just All-Star weekend but the remainder of the season. Initially, Randle attempted to avoid surgery, hoping the injury would heal naturally. When it became apparent that the process would take too long, he pivoted.
The decision and process of rehab tortured Randle, who was forced to sit out during the Knicks’ sensational playoff run. However, his “rehab from shoulder surgery is going incredibly well at the moment,” reports SportsNet New York’s Ian Begley.
Knicks’ Julius Randle Gets Recovery Update On Season-Ending Injury
Averaging 22.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 45.0 percent shooting from the floor since signing with the Knicks in 2019, Randle’s shown himself to be a Broadway star.
New York now has a new leader, with Jalen Brunson’s one-on-one scoring ability leading to his own star turn. Nonetheless, Randle’s combination of talent and toughness have helped the Knicks reach the playoffs in three of the past five seasons. Their new additions now take a lot of pressure off of him.
It’s not just Brunson, though he’s by far the most popular player. A trade for OG Anunoby ignited a regular season run in 2023-24, his defense and outside shooting key ingredients in their success. The Knicks have also added Mikal Bridges to their roster. A multipositional perimeter player, Bridges’s chemistry with Brunson goes back to their Villanova days. The six-year veteran shares that with Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo as well.
Odd Man Out?
Due to Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau’s affinity with Hart, Bridges’s positional versatility, and the defensive ability of Bridges and Anunoby, it’s fair to wonder what Randle’s future is in the Big Apple.
Last season, Hart played 40 or more minutes in 23 games. In 49 games, he played 30 or more minutes. Given the fact that New York’s depth is relatively thin, he could simply absorb minutes at multiple positions. Nonetheless, when it’s time to put the best five players on the floor, Randle may be forced to play center.
At 6-foot-8 and 250 pounds, he’s not incapable of it. However, he’s not quite suited for it either. It goes beyond him being undersized though. Randle’s defensive effort and shot-blocking instincts leave a lot to be desired. Indeed, the big man has averaged just 0.4 blocks per game for his career.
Ultimately, he’s a potential liability in every facet of defensive coverage if placed at center unless he plays with fire.
It ‘Could Be Special’
From his side though, Randle “thinks things could be special” with Bridges.
It isn’t rocket science saying that the defensive duo of Bridges and Anunoby will be top-notch. With that being said, though the CBA does its best to prevent it, there are several superteams. If defined by the Big 3 model, the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Orleans Pelicans all have at least three star players. Because of that, the Knicks are even wiser to load up on wing defenders.
However, Bridges is also a capable go-to scorer, averaging 21.2 points per game with the Brooklyn Nets. Last season, he hit a wall after being moved to the top of his opponent’s scouting reports. His limitations as a scorer were exposed because of it, Bridges struggling to make floaters, runners, and pull-up 3s.
Still, he’s an ace shooter who can excel playing off of Brunson and Randle.
Though the Knicks’ collegiate chemistry doesn’t extend to the Kentucky product, Randle’s playmaking is an underrated part of his game. The attention he draws will only help Bridges, whose efficiency can also soften up the defense for Randle. In fact, in the times when he’s playing center, the Knicks may have optimal spacing. In those stretches, attacking the defense should be the easiest.
With that being said, the acquisition of Manhattan Bridges is important, but the fit of New York’s core is what can really special.
