Josh Hart sheds harsh light on OG Anunoby and Julius Randle’s potential return

Despite the speculation surrounding the potential returns of OG Anunoby and Julius Randle for the New York Knicks this season, Josh Hart remains unfazed. Despite the brief absence of the frontcourt duo, the Knicks have adapted well and are building confidence playing with a smaller lineup.

Despite both Randle and Anunoby sustaining injuries during the Jan. 27 game against the Miami Heat, their paths to recovery have been different. Randle is still unable to play, while Anunoby missed 18 games but was able to return on Mar. 12. Unfortunately, he was once again ruled out after only three consecutive appearances.

The duo may be nearing their comeback, but Hart is not heavily involved in the discussions surrounding it. He is currently focused on evaluating the current Knicks team as they are.

“I’m looking at it like this is the team that we’re going to have,”Hart told reporters on Sunday (via SNY TV). “We’ll be pleasantly surprised if they (Randle and Anunoby) come back.”

Despite the absences of Randle and Anunoby, the Knicks have still managed to produce impressive performances from their available players. This includes Josh Hart, as well as Donte DiVincenzo, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Miles McBride.

Since Randle and Anunoby sustained injuries, New York has recorded a 16-13 record, with a net rating of 4.1 (10th), an offensive rating of 116.1 (11th), and a defensive rating of 112.0 (12th).

Injury Updates: OG Anunoby and Julius Randle’s Returns and How They Impact Josh Hart’s Comments

Josh Hart expressed doubt about the possibility of OG Anunoby and Julius Randle returning to the Knicks lineup soon, as there are only eight games remaining in the regular season. Additionally, according to SNY TV’s Ian Begley, the frontcourt pair may potentially return “at some point”before the playoffs commence. Nonetheless, neither athlete has been given clearance for contact.

“At some point, these guys will be back, when you talk about Anunoby and Julius Randle,”Begley said. “It’s a bit bizarre that Randle has not been cleared for contact yet, and Anunoby, Tom Thibodeau had said. .. He hadn’t taken any contact in practice yet.”

As the regular season winds down, it is clear that both players will not be able to participate in any contact practices. This suggests that their return is still a ways off, as they will need time to recondition and gradually build up their strength before they can reach full game speed.

During the regular season, it may not come at the ideal time with the playoffs fast approaching. However, these games can serve as an opportunity for the team to increase their intensity and reach their full potential before the playoffs. Additionally, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby can assess their progress in their respective recoveries and determine the amount of workload they can handle.