As tests continue on New York Knicks forward Julius Randle's dislocated right shoulder, there is optimism that his timeline for a return will be measured in weeks rather than months, sources told ESPN.
Randle underwent an MRI on Saturday night, and while the evaluation is not completely complete, there is hope that Randle can avoid a surgical procedure and return after missing several weeks, not months, sources said.
The NBA All-Star break in mid-February also creates a 10-day gap in games for Randle and the Knicks.
Randle landed hard on his shoulder late in a 125-109 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday. It also helps that Randle is a left-handed player.
Randle has been at the helm of the Knicks' breakout season, which includes 12 wins in 14 games in the month of January. He is averaging 24 points and 9.2 rebounds this season.
Randle had played in all 46 Knicks games this season, and 95% of the franchise's games since arriving as a free agent in 2019, according to data from ESPN Stats & Information.
