Knicks' Julius Randle Says Surgery for Shoulder Injury Not Ruled Out

Julius Randle has missed the past three weeks with a dislocated right shoulder and the New York Knicks' forward told reporters on Wednesday he's still hopeful he can avoid surgery, though he didn't completely rule out the possibility.

"I mean, we'll see. There's still necessary steps. It's a process to everything. I have to weigh out everything ultimately and decide from there," he said. "But right now I'm just focused on trying to avoid [surgery], obviously, and get back on the court as soon as I can."

Avoiding surgery during the season obviously would be ideal, as the Knicks are looking to make a deep playoff run and need Randle to do so.

But he could be facing offseason surgery regardless. When asked if doctors had recommended as much, he said he's heard "many different opinions," some in favor of surgery and some against.

"I like how I feel today as far as getting better, feeling stronger, progressing to where I need to be, as far as getting on the court," he continued. "But I'm never somebody to say never, so ultimately I have to do what's best for myself to have a long career, have longevity in this. The training staff has been great, getting me back healthy and feeling better, so it's a process."

On Tuesday, head coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters that Randle hasn't been cleared to practice yet but was showing positive progression.

"I'm just taking it a day at a time to be honest," Randle told reporters Wednesday. "Every day I'm getting stronger and better. Just trying to stay locked in and continue to get healthy, not just physically but mentally."

The Knicks have built a strong core group around Randle, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and solid role players like Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Bojan Bogdanovic and Mitchell Robinson (if he's able to return from his own injury this season).

New York has the potential to be the league's best defensive team and undoubtedly would pose problems on that end for the top teams in the East.

As for Randle, the 29-year-old is in the midst of another excellent season, averaging 24 points, 9.2 rebounds and five assists while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from three.

Brunson is the main man in Madison Square Garden these days, but Randle's scoring and rebounding presence on the block remain incredibly important for New York's title aspirations.