NEW YORK – In an exclusive interview with Bleacher Report, New York Knicks star Julius Randle revealed why he opted for season-ending surgery after dislocating his right shoulder in late January.
Randle, 29, said he suffered a setback during his rehabilitation after initially opting not to undergo surgery to maintain hope of returning this season.
“I want everyone to know that I did everything I could to come back this season,” Randle told B/R in a phone interview. “That was my intention, to play now. That's why I didn't opt to have surgery when it happened. But what finally made me have surgery was about five weeks ago, I went through a full contact session.” “I was in pads and hurt my shoulder again. My leg wasn't stable. I felt like I was in the same state when I first took it off, and it's been an uphill battle ever since.”
“Choosing to have surgery was my only option at this point. It's frustrating, but I feel at peace knowing I tried everything.”
Randle said he expects to be healthy at the start of the 2024-25 NBA season. The team announced that after surgery, his condition will be re-evaluated in five months.
“I saw two shoulder specialists. One said I 100 percent needed surgery. Another said I was at risk, but if I dislocated it again, I could permanently damage it,” Randle said.
“I believe in this team and I wanted to try it. Unfortunately it didn't work out. It's a tough pill to swallow, but it was my only option at this point. Things weren't going well.”
Had the three-time All-Star elected to undergo the procedure when the injury occurred, it would have been difficult to deal with. “I didn’t want to get into the question of ‘what if I could play’.” I wanted to know for sure whether I could do it or not.
“I don't regret going through the process. I had to give myself a chance to get back on the field for my team. I thought I could. But that call session derailed it.”
The Knicks are still awaiting the fate of forward OG Anunoby, who will miss his ninth straight game on Thursday due to right elbow inflammation. Sources say the team is being overly cautious in hopes of being available for the playoffs without being in and out of the lineup.
Ideally, Anunoby and the Knicks would prefer a game or two under his belt before postseason play, but that likely won't be possible, sources say.
The seventh-year swingman is progressing and there is still some inflammation, but he is on the right track, according to sources.
“Whoever is out there, I have confidence in this team,” Randle told B/R. “I believe in them and I will root for them.”
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