Analysis Confirmed: Julius Randle to Undergo Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery

After two months of rehabbing and attempting to return from a right shoulder labrum tear, New York Knicks star forward Julius Randle will undergo season-ending surgery to address the torn labrum.

As our panel of doctors detailed when the injury occurred in late January, labrum tears are extremely difficult for basketball players to play through without re-dislocating the affected shoulder.

Surgery was always the likely outcome when the injury happened and it’s not a surprise to see Randle opt for the procedure in the end to ensure his long-term shoulder health.

Randle suffered the initial injury when Randle collided with Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. as he attempted to finish a layup and fell hard to the floor. 

He will be ready in time for the start of next season, but is out for the entirety of the playoffs.

Kings guard Kevin Huerter suffered a similar injury and will also undergo season-ending surgery.

Impact on the Knicks

Traditionally, Randle has been a durable player throughout the past few years. He has appeared in more than 70 games in every season since his 2019-20 season. 

The Knicks will need other players to fill the scoring void as Randle has averaged 24.1 points per game.

Trade acquisition OG Anunoby has played a bigger role with Randle out, but had his elbow injury flare up recently. He has not played since March 16 and is currently without a return timeline. Anunoby is averaging 14.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.7 steals in 17 games with the Knicks.

New York is 44-31 this season and 6-4 in its last 10 games. As of Thursday morning, the Knicks sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference – a half-game behind the fourth place Magic and two games ahead of the sixth place Miami Heat.

The team has gone 15-14 without Randle this season.