The New York Knicks star center Julius Randle, who is currently out with a dislocated shoulder injury, still hopes he can return to the court at some point in the 2023-24 NBA season. However, Randle isn’t ruling out getting a season-ending shoulder surgery if it represents a better option for his long-term career.
Randle dislocated his shoulder back in late January in a 125-109 win over the Miami Heat. Speaking publicly for the first time since then, Randle told reporters on Wednesday that he’s making progress in recovery but still doesn’t know whether he’ll manage to avoid surgery.
“There’s still necessary steps. It’s a process to everything. I have to weigh out everything, ultimately, and decide from there,” Randle said via ESPN. “But right now, I’m just focused on trying to avoid [surgery], obviously, and get back on the court as soon as I can.”
Knicks’ head coach Tom Thibodeau later added that Randle is “working out twice a day” but is yet to resume basketball activities.
Randle has been having a great season before going down. He averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while receiving his third All-Star nod.
Knicks have struggled in Randle’s absence, entering the All-Star break with four consecutive losses. They are still fourth in the East with a 33-22 record but have the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers breathing down their neck.
