HOUSTON — Julius Randle is working on a comeback.
Coach Tom Thibodeau said he met with the power forward, who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder, to plan for the All-Star break and was clearly feeling positive about his progress.
“He was in my office the day before we left. [for Houston]; We had a great visit and went through some things,” the Knicks coach said before Monday’s 105-103 loss to the Rockets. “We’re already looking at what’s next. He’s doing very well overall. And the unfortunate thing is, when he got the injury, he was playing at a very high level. At that time, he was playing at a very high level. As I said, the great thing about him is that he is in great shape.
“So I think that makes it easier. It’s never easy. It’s never easy to come back, but I think the fact that he’s doing well will make it quicker.”
Randle dislocated his shoulder last month and hopes to avoid season-ending surgery.
On February 2, the Knicks announced that Randle would be reevaluated in the next few weeks.
The Knicks will face the Magic on Valentine’s Day, but then won’t play until February 22nd due to the All-Star break.
“That’s going to be some recognition. He’s fine. He’s progressing. He’s hit all the milestones,” Thibodeau said. “So when he’s ready to leave, he’s ready to leave. But that’s another benefit of this break coming. … Julius isn’t sitting around in pain. If If he can play, he will play.”
Isaiah Hartenstein missed his second consecutive game due to Achilles tendon strain. Jericho Sims, who returned from illness, started in his place and recorded 4 points and 7 rebounds in 29 minutes.
