The New York Knicks received a heartbreaking update ahead of their game against the Sacramento Kings. Their All-Star Forward Julius Randle, who was rehabbing for two months to heal his injured shoulder, will undergo a season-ending surgery. Randle has been out of action since January 27 because of a dislocated shoulder. After the injury update, Randle revealed what led to his decision to finally opt for surgery and end his season early through a conversation with an NBA Insider.

Chris Haynes conducted a phone interview with Randle. The Knicks superstar told Haynes, “What caused me to finally go through with surgery was 5 weeks ago, I went through a full-contact session & reinjured my shoulder.” Randle had reportedly made decent progress in his recovery and hoped to return before the playoffs. But a full contact session last month reinjured his shoulder. Randle mentioned he “was unable to get it back where it was prior”, and it had been an uphill battle ever since.

Randle consulted multiple specialists to assess if he can return this season. He told Bleacher Report what the specialists said, “One said I 100% needed to get surgery. Another one said I’m at risk, but if I dislocated it again, I could damage it permanently.” So, Randle had no option but to end his season early and opt for surgery. However, Randle assured the Knicks fanbase that he initially had plans to return for the playoffs.

“I want everyone to know I did everything in my power to get back…That’s why I didn’t opt for surgery when it happened.” Randle will be re-evaluated in 5 months and is expected to be back on the court next season.

How far can the New York Knicks go without Julius Randle?

The end of Julius Randle’s season ahead of the playoffs raises major concerns for the New York Knicks. Jalen Brunson and Co. are currently seeded 5th in the Eastern Conference with a 44-31 record. If the current standings hold till the end of the season, they will face the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs. And teams will try to expose their one glaring weakness in Julius Randle’s absence.

While the Knicks have played great all season, their lack of size has emerged as their biggest weakness. With Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and OG Anunoby missing games due to injury, they have played many games with only one primary Big Man, Isaiah Hartenstein. Even Jalen Brunson addressed their size problem after a recent loss against the Denver Nuggets. “He’s (Hartenstein) kind of alone down there. It’s tough.” Brunson also blamed himself for the Knicks’ struggles in the paint, “I didn’t really do much of the rebounding part, so I gotta do my part.”

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Their Center Mitchell Robinson is back in the lineup but is on a day-to-day due to left ankle management. And there is still no word about when OG Anunoby will return to action. So, the Knicks’ fairytale season might come to an early end in the playoffs without Julius Randle.

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