Julius Randle did everything he could to return to the Knicks without undergoing surgery this season, but the All-Star power forward couldn’t avoid the option of ending the season.
Randle, who has not played since dislocating his right shoulder on Jan. 27, will undergo surgery and be re-examined in five months, the Knicks announced before Thursday’s game against the Kings.
Randle had resumed training last month, but had been waiting several weeks for medical clearance to resume contact, but never heard back.
Randle said on February 21 that he was feeling “better and stronger” with the goal of returning by the end of the season.
However, in the same comments, the three-time All-Star acknowledged that surgery on his non-shooting shoulder remains a possibility.
“Let’s see. There are still steps that need to be taken. It’s all a process. Ultimately you have to weigh everything and decide from there,” Randle said. “But right now, I’m just focused on avoiding that.” [surgery]Of course, I want to get back on the court as soon as possible.”
OG Anunoby has also been sidelined since January 27th due to a right elbow injury that required surgery.
The two-way wing returned for three games in mid-March, but was scheduled to miss his ninth consecutive game Thursday against Sacramento.
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Josh Hart (wrist) are listed as questionable for the Knicks, who started the day in fifth place in the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Magic.
