Julius Randle to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery

Tough news for one of our favorite former Cats. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Julius Randle will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder, which he dislocated on January 27. The NBA All-Star had been “relentlessly” rehabbing the shoulder in hopes of returning before the Eastern Conference playoffs, but per Wojnarowski, doctors recently told him that his shoulder is so unstable that returning to action could risk permanent damage.

“He had done everything possible to avoid surgery and return for the playoffs, but the procedure became an increasing inevitability after recent visits to two specialists who warned of further injury and possible permanent damage to the shoulder if he returned to play before a surgical procedure, sources said,” Woj wrote.

Randle resumed workouts last month and was waiting for medical clearance, even shooting around before the Knicks’ game vs. Oklahoma City last week. After undergoing surgery, he will be on track for a full recovery around the start of the 2024-25 season; however, this is a big blow to the Knicks’ playoff chances. The frontcourt of Randle and OG Anunoby, who joined the team in late December via a trade, looked great in the month they played together, leading the Knicks to a 12-2 record during that stretch. Anunoby is set to return to the lineup soon after dealing with his own elbow injury.

Ian Begley, who covers the Knicks for SNY, reports that Randle is “devastated” he can’t return to the court this season.

Julius Randle is said to be devastated about not being able return, particularly because he knows how well they were playing after OG Anunoby trade, per sources familiar with the matter. One medical fear was Randle could permanently damage shoulder if he returned, per sources.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 4, 2024

Randle posted this on Instagram moments ago: “The journey is the journey. Just keep going. It is what you think it is 🙏🏿🖤”

Randle, now 29, was named an NBA All-Star for the third time this season. Prior to the injury, he was averaging 24 points on 47% shooting, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, scoring 20-plus points in 19 consecutive games. This is the second offseason he’ll spend recovering after having ankle surgery last summer.

Get well soon, Julius.