New York Knicks forward Julius Randle will miss the rest of the season due to a right shoulder injury that requires surgery. The team announced on Thursday that Randle will undergo a procedure and be re-evaluated in five months.
Randle had been out of the Knicks’ lineup since January 27 after dislocating his shoulder. He had been rehabbing to avoid surgery and return for the playoffs, but doctors advised against it due to the risk of permanent damage. Before his injury, Randle was averaging 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.
The Knicks were in fourth place in the Eastern Conference when Randle got injured, but have slipped to fifth place since then. They have gone 15-14 in Randle’s absence, with a significant gap between them and the first-place Boston Celtics. The team has struggled with injuries throughout the season, including Anunoby who has played just three games since Randle’s injury and is dealing with his own injury issues. There is no timetable for his return.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau’s team is aiming for their third postseason appearance in four years. They had hoped to be a strong presence in the Eastern Conference after acquiring OG Anunoby in December, but injuries have hampered their progress
