Knicks Rumors: Julius Randle Expected to be Out Weeks, Not Months, with Injury

Tyler Conway@@jtylerconwayFeatured Columnist IVJanuary 29, 2024

Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle is reportedly expected to miss weeks rather than months with his right shoulder injury.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported no firm timetable has been set for Randle’s return as testing continues to determine the damage suffered when he fell to the floor late in Saturday’s win over the Miami Heat.

“You knew for him to do that [it might be serious],” coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters after the forward was unable to take his free throws following the foul that caused his fall. “He’s a guy who plays through things, and that’s what you love about him. He’s a warrior.”

Randle will likely be named to his third All-Star team this week, posting averages of 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists in his first 46 appearances. He, Jalen Brunson and new acquisition OG Anunoby have the Knicks off to a red hot start to 2024, posting a 12-2 record in January.

New York has won six straight games overall heading into Monday’s matchup with the Charlotte Hornets.

“We don’t want to see that from anybody, especially him with how he’s been playing. He means a lot to us. So for him to go back there, obviously it’s not ideal,” Brunson told reporters of Randle’s trip to the locker room Saturday.

The Knicks have already been playing without center Mitchell Robinson since Dec. 8, leaving them without their entire starting frontcourt. It remains to be seen how Thibodeau will handle Randle’s absence, but Anunoby sliding up to the 4 spot seems like the most likely scenario.

Precious Achiuwa will also see an increase in action.