Knicks' Julius Randle does not rule out shoulder surgery, but remains focused on returning this season
It’s been nearly a month since Julius Randle dislocated his shoulder, and there’s still no exact timetable for the three-time All-Star to return to the Knicks.
The Knicks forward said as much when he spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since his injury. While he joked he would be back on April 1, Randle is taking his rehab seriously.
“I’m just taking it a day at a time to be honest,” Randle said. “Every day I’m getting stronger and better. Just trying to stay locked in and continue to get healthy, not just physically but mentally.”
Head coach Tom Thibodeau gave a positive update on Tuesday, and SNY’s Ian Begley reported earlier this month that Randle’s rehab process had progressed to a point where those within the Knicks organization were optimistic he could avoid in-season surgery.
If Randle does undergo surgery, that would likely mean the end of his season. And while there’s hope he can avoid it, Randle isn’t ruling it out.
“We’ll see. There are still necessary steps. There's a process to everything. I have to weigh out everything, ultimately, and decide from there,” Randle said. “Right now I’m focused on trying to avoid that, get back on the court as soon as I can.”
In that same breath, Randle is also not ruling out offseason surgery.
“I’ve heard many different opinions. I like how I feel today as far as getting better, feeling stronger, progressing to where I need to be as far as getting on the court," Randle added. "But I’m never somebody that says never. Ultimately, I have to do what’s best for myself to have a long career. The training staff has been great getting me back healthy and feeling better.”
Randle wouldn’t say what type of workouts he’s doing but explained that he’s going to “push it as hard as I can, safely.”
Since Randle’s injury on Jan. 27, the Knicks have treaded water. They entered the All-Star break on a four-game losing streak and a recent 4-5 record overall.
But they have also been without OG Anunoby, Isaiah Hartenstein, Donte DiVincenzo and others during that span due to varying injuries.
Randle says seeing the Knicks play as hard as they have with many of their best players injured has actually made the team better in the long run.
“That's who our team is. Every day, Thibs does a great job of having us prepared, everyone whether you get steady minutes or not," Randle explained. "That’s who our team has been. When guys get an opportunity they are ready to play. If anything, it’s brought our team closer together.
"Guys have been doing a great job of doing the most with what we have and holding it down while we’re hurt.”
The Knicks return from the All-Star break when they visit Philadelphia to face the 76ers on Thursday.
