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The New York Knicks received some good news on Tuesday as the postseason approaches, with star forward Julius Randle practicing on a limited basis.
“He did some [work in practice]. Making steady progress. Taking it day-to-day,” head coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. “He’s doing some running, shooting, scripting, that sort of thing.”
It remains to be seen if Randle, who is recovering from a sprained left ankle suffered on March 29, will be available for the start of the postseason.
“So when he’s ready to go, he’s ready to go,” Thibodeau noted. “But steady progress. Each day [is] a little bit better.”
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Julius Randle did some parts of practice today but has not been cleared for contact. He did some running, shooting, Tom Thibodeau says.
The Knicks open the playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, April 15, at 6 p.m. ET.
Randle, 28, had an excellent season for the Knicks, averaging a career-best 25.1 points to go along with 10 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, shooting 45.9 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three.
His absence would be difficult to overcome for the Knicks against a tough Cavs side, though the team did go 3-2 down the stretch without him, including a win over Cleveland.
Obi Toppin started in his place, averaging a cool 21.8 points per game in the final five games. He ostensibly would stay in that role if Randle isn’t available to start the postseason.
His injury status isn’t the only one being monitored.
Star point guard Jalen Brunson sat out the final three games of the regular season with right hand maintenance, though it sounds as though he’s on track for the start of the playoffs.
“Good, getting better. I’m able to do whatever I need to do,” he told reporters when questioned about his hand. “[Rest] definitely helps. But I’m ready to get going right now.”
