Knicks Rumors: Julius Randle 'Expected' to Return from Injury for Start of NBA Season

After being limited to just 46 games last season due to a dislocated right shoulder, New York Knicks star forward Julius Randle is reportedly on the right track in his recovery.

According to ESPN's Chris Herring, Randle "said his recovery is going well, and he's expected to be ready to play by or near the start of the season."

Randle injured his shoulder during a win against the Miami Heat on Jan. 27. He and the Knicks initially held off on surgery in hopes that he would be able to return for the playoffs, but he ultimately underwent a season-ending procedure in April.

A three-time All-Star, Randle has been one of the primary options on offense since he signed with New York in 2019. Before going down with his shoulder injury last season, he averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

The emergence of star point guard Jalen Brunson and the addition of swingman OG Anunoby opened up more opportunities for Randle and worked wonders for the Knicks, as Herring pointed out that the team went 11-1 and outscored opponents by 202 points in the 12 games that the three of them played together.

New York re-signed Anunoby and added two-way star Mikal Bridges among a string of impressive offseason moves, so the team's outlook for the 2024-25 season looks even more promising.

A healthy Randle would help the Knicks solidify themselves as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.