Knicks PF Julius Randle 'Expected to be Fully Recovered' Before Next Season

After a successful left-ankle procedure Friday, the New York Knicks star is set to make a full recovery and isn't expected to miss any time to begin his 10th NBA season.

Like him or not, New York Knicks fans can expect to see Julius Randle back on the court at the beginning of next season. 

Following a successful arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle, the veteran power forward is expected to fully recover ahead of New York's annual fall training camp,  announced Saturday morning less than a month after the Knicks' second-round loss to the Miami Heat.

"The procedure, which was performed Friday and considered successful, will allow Randle to resume basketball activities later this summer and be fully recovered for the start of the 2023-24 season," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported.

ESPN Sources: All-NBA forward Julius Randle underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle and is expected to be ready for the New York Knicks’ training camp in the fall: https://t.co/r5wPgV5BDJ

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 3, 2023

Randle initially sustained his ankle injury late in the first half of the Knicks' March 29 victory against the Miami Heat. Randle came down on Miami center Bam Adebayo's foot, which kept him on the floor for an extended period of time. 

After making one of his two free throws, the veteran limped his way to the locker room and missed the remainder of both the game and the regular season. Hope ensued when Randle insisted on playing during the playoffs, but unable to find a rhythm, the 28-year-old didn't play like himself, much to the displeasure of fans.

Regardless, coach Tom Thibodeau praised the Knicks' leading man for his comeback effort and dedication. 

"He was out an extended amount of time," Thibodeau said after New York's Game 4 win, per SNY. "He'll get a chance to get some recovery time — I think that's a big part of [his on-court struggles] — but the thing I love about him is he gives you everything he has. 

"We need him, he's our horse."

Randle did all he could to help the Knicks advance in the playoffs, but after re-aggravating his ankle in Game 5, things didn't get much better. The Knicks fell short to the Heat in the second round, Randle wasn't the same and New York suffered a season cut short. 

Ideally, Randle's successful procedure will put him on pace to get back to the All-Star caliber player he's proven to be. Since he's set to be ready for the Knicks' fall camps, barring any setbacks, he will also be completely available for the start of next season.

As far as trades go, the Knicks will most likely look to retain the ten-year veteran. He's proven to be a leader for the team and has built a rapport with the city, coach, and front office ... enough to keep him around at least. 

But Randle isn't done trying to bring the Knicks a title, so New York can anticipate its partnership with the power forward to continue long-term. 

"We had a lot of good moments this season," Randle said after the Knicks were eliminated in the playoffs, per ESPN. "(There were) moments of growth, things that we should be proud of and things that we can learn from as well. I think we'll all take time to re-evaluate everything and figure out what we can do better moving forward." 

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