Julius Randle’s first comments on injury is a mix of optimism and alarm

Julius Randle sat out the All-Star festivities in Indianapolis over the weekend, instead using the day off to continue his recovery from a shoulder injury that had already sidelined him for more than three weeks.

“I’m feeling better and stronger,” Randle said Wednesday in his first public appearance since dislocating his right shoulder against the Heat on Jan. 27, with the goal of returning by the end of the season.

However, he admitted that he has not yet ruled out surgery to repair the shoulder that prevents him from shooting.

“I mean, let’s see. There are still steps that need to be taken. It’s all a process. Ultimately you have to weigh everything and make a decision from there.” No Randle said at the team’s practice facility. “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.”

The three-time All-Star was asked if doctors definitively told him he would ultimately need surgery in the offseason, even if he returns to play in advance.

“I’ve heard a lot of different opinions. Both are true, so we’ll see how it goes,” Randle said. “I like it because I feel better today, I’m stronger and I’m progressing to where I need to be in terms of being on the court.

“But I’m never one to say never, so ultimately I have to do what’s best for me to have a long career and have longevity in this field. The training staff is great and It has brought me back to health and made me feel good, so it’s a process.”

Randle, who is averaging 24.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game this season, was named to the All-Star team for the third time in four seasons.

The selections of Randle and point guard Jalen Brunson mark the first time the Knicks have named two players as All-Stars since Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler in 2013.

The Knicks (33-22) have gone 15-2 since OG Anunoby, who was acquired in a trade, joined the lineup on January 1st, but he also suffered an elbow injury that required clean-up surgery. He had been out of action since January 27th.

Manager Tom Thibodeau said Wednesday that the Knicks, who lost five of their last six games before the suspension, will be running Isaiah Hartenstein (Achilles), Donte DiVincenzo (hamstring) and Beaujan for Thursday’s road game. – He said he hopes to get some or all of Bogdanovic’s (calf) back. After two consecutive days of practice, the game against the 76ers took place.