{"id":86508,"date":"2024-07-18T18:20:37","date_gmt":"2024-07-18T22:20:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=86508"},"modified":"2024-07-18T18:20:37","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T22:20:37","slug":"knicks-julius-randle-recovery-update-on-season-ending-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/07\/18\/knicks-julius-randle-recovery-update-on-season-ending-injury\/","title":{"rendered":"Knicks Star Gets Recovery Update On Season-Ending Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle<\/a> hasn\u2019t played a game since Jan. 27.<\/p>\n

Dislocating his right shoulder in a collision with Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr.<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

The decision and process of rehab<\/a> tortured Randle, who was forced to sit out during the Knicks\u2019 sensational playoff run. However, his \u201crehab from shoulder surgery<\/a> is going incredibly well at the moment,\u201d reports SportsNet New York\u2019s Ian Begley.<\/p>\n

Knicks\u2019 Julius Randle Gets Recovery Update On Season-Ending Injury<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s \u00a0shown himself to be a Broadway star.<\/p>\n

New York now has a new leader, with Jalen Brunson<\/a>\u2019s one-on-one scoring ability leading to his own star turn. Nonetheless, Randle\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just Brunson, though he\u2019s by far the most popular player. A trade for OG Anunoby<\/a> ignited a regular season run in 2023-24, his defense and outside shooting key ingredients in their success<\/a>. The Knicks have also added Mikal Bridges<\/a> to their roster. A multipositional perimeter player, Bridges\u2019s chemistry with Brunson goes back to their Villanova days. The six-year veteran shares that with Josh Hart<\/a> and Donte DiVincenzo<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n

Odd Man Out?<\/h3>\n

Due to Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau\u2019s affinity with Hart, Bridges\u2019s positional versatility, and the defensive ability of Bridges and Anunoby, it\u2019s fair to wonder what Randle\u2019s future is in the Big Apple.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s depth is relatively thin, he could simply absorb minutes at multiple positions. Nonetheless, when it\u2019s time to put the best five players on the floor, Randle may be forced to play center.<\/p>\n

At 6-foot-8 and 250 pounds, he\u2019s not incapable of it. However, he\u2019s not quite suited for it either. It goes beyond him being undersized though. Randle\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, he\u2019s a potential liability in every facet of defensive coverage if placed at center unless he plays with fire.<\/p>\n

It \u2018Could Be Special\u2019<\/h3>\n

From his side though, Randle \u201cthinks things could be special\u201d with Bridges.<\/p>\n

It isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> after being moved to the top of his opponent\u2019s scouting reports. His limitations as a scorer were exposed because of it, Bridges struggling to make floaters, runners, and pull-up 3s.<\/p>\n