The New York Knicks' playoff hopes just got dealt a crushing blow. For months, the team was waiting on Julius Randle to return from the shoulder injury he suffered in the year. Unfortunately, it was announced recently that Randle will not be able to return this season, as he underwent surgery to repair his shoulder.
Naturally, Randle's teammates were asked about the Knicks star's injury and the impact on the team. Ever the comedian, Josh Hart had a pretty hilarious response to a similar question. Hart joked that everyone needs to feel worse for the team. (video from r/NBA)
“I feel for us because he just kept us in the wind for two months. Terrible teammate, terrible human being.”
Of course, everyone could tell that Hart was kidding. The Knicks star then said this about Randle.
“As competitors, as hoopers, you never want your season to end on injury. So, we know that's a tough thing for him. Obviously, he couldn’t end last year fully healthy, but he was playing great and had a great rhythm. So, it was just unfortunate. But now, for him, it's just about hitting his rehab strong and getting better this offseason, and he'll come back next year better than he was this year.”
Randle's injury
Randle suffered his shoulder injury during late January this year against the Miami Heat. After an awkward fall, the Knicks star crumpled in pain. It was eventually revealed that the star suffered a dislocated shoulder. Since then, Randle continued to work to try and return to the court as soon as possible.
Unfortunately for him, doctors advised the Knicks star to avoid playing this season. The instability of his shoulder could lead to more problems, so it's best to stay safe. Randle will miss the rest of the 2023-24 season, but he should be a go for next year if all things go well.
Prior to the injury, Randle was an iron man, playing in all 46 Knicks games. He's been known to play through an injury, pushing through last year with an injured ankle.
Knicks' injury woes and postseason push
Randle's injury isn't the only injury the Knicks have been worried about as of late. OG Anunoby, who the team acquired midseason, has been out for roughly the same time as Randle. Anunoby suffered an elbow injury, one that required surgery. The good news for New York is that Anunoby is on track to return, having been cleared to play in 5-v-5 action in practice.
How did the Knicks fare without two of their best stars? Well, pretty damn fine all things considered. They currently sit at fifth in the East, with a clear shot at the third seed (or second, depending on how bad the Milwaukee Bucks collapse). Jalen Brunson, Hart, and the rest of the team have done their best to keep this team afloat without their big guns.
It would've been amazing to see a healthy iteration of the Knicks go to the playoffs. With Anunoby and Randle healthy, New York had one of the best, if not the best defense in the league. They won 15 of the 17 games that Anunoby has played: a testament to his impact. Still, this team has the tools to potentially be a dark horse in the Finals scene.
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