Knicks News: Julius Randle Breaks Silence on Excruciating Recovery After Missing Historic Playoff Run

The loss of Julius Randle was perhaps the worst thing that could have happened to the New York Knicks. Courtesy of a dislocated shoulder, the 29-year-old forward missed two months of the 2023-24 season. And when it looked like he could take the floor, Randle was again tossed back into the injury list. A surgery was inevitable. With that prognosis, all hopes of a playoff run ended. He’s been slowly getting back as NY aims for a deeper postseason run next season.

Meanwhile, the fans get a glimpse into how well Randle is doing through an unexpected source. Joining NBA Unplugged Kevin Hart, the 3x All-Star, gave us a very positive report on his healing. “I spent 2.5 months rehabbing before, so when I came out of shoulder surgery I was recovering pretty fast; all my muscles around my shoulder are strong. So I’ve been healing up great. Been taking my time. Not in a rush. But I like where I’m at for sure.”

This season will be the one in which Randle’s played the lowest number of games since his unfortunate rookie season. Selected as the No. 7 pick by the Lakers in the 2014 Draft Night, a 20-year-old Julius played just 14 minutes in his NBA debut. It was the Purple & Gold’s season opener against Houston and the poor rookie broke his right tibia. It was a no-brainer that he would miss the rest of the season.

After that, Julius Randle has never played gone below the 64 mark in any season, until now. The 10-year veteran forward’s 2023-24 season ended with 46 games. Despite it all, he’s truly remained a consistent presence in his five seasons with the Knicks. In fact, his time with New York was when Randle posted some of the best numbers of his career. From 2014-15 to 2018-19, he averaged 15.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 311 games.

In contrast, from 2019-20 to now, Randle has averaged 22.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 330 games. It’s not hard to imagine how the outcome would have changed had Julius Randle been in these playoffs. Granted, the Knicks were hit with injuries from all sides. However, the All-NBA Second-Teamer was arguably the biggest loss.

Nevertheless, the father of two seemed to have used this time to focus on his seven-year-old firstborn. Or maybe it’s the other way around.

Julius Randle found comfort in his son as he navigated one of the most trying phases in his life

There is no doubt that the Knicks veteran was always watching his team’s battles as they tried to steer their shorthanded ship through the turbulent waters of the playoffs. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much he could do. These are situations where a player can find themselves in a dark place when they see how there’s every possibility of a Finals trip if only they weren’t sidelined.

However, the repercussions of going down that path can be terrible. And Randle is lucky enough to have a son who keeps him grounded. Kyden has become viral for his reactions to his father’s games.

The bond the two share is incredible, and it’s clear to everyone who watches them. Randle Jr. is busy with AAU tournaments throughout the tri-state area now and his father makes sure to be present for each one of them. It has actually proved be to quite therapeutic. “His tournaments revitalize me. It really just makes me happy,” Randle said.

Kyden is his Dad’s biggest supporter and coach if need be. “I’ll find myself looking toward him during the game. He’ll be, like, ‘Pick it up!’ He’ll coach me: ‘Dad, you have 38 points, you need to go get 40.’ I had 50-something one game, and he’s, like, ‘Dad, you have this much more to break the record.’ I was just trying to win,” No. 30 once recounted.

Clearly, the father-son relationship they have has done wonders for the 2021 Most Improved Player. As Randle gets ready for the next season, we can be sure that Kyden will be sitting courtside, and, if needed, on the bench, calling out encouragements to his father.

Before you go, another matter foremost in our mind is about our beloved Inside the NBA crew. While many are sure they are going to be disbanded, Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, thinks otherwise. To know more, watch this video!