NBA Swing: Randle Out for Season, Clifford Stepping Down, and 2024 Hall of Fame

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With the 2023-24 season in its final 10 days, the race to the play-in tournament and playoffs is in its final stretch. Even with this season ending and the Final Four dominating basketball discussions right now, this week has been full of news with implications for the playoffs and next season as well.

Julius Randle Undergoing Season-Ending Surgery

On Thursday afternoon, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that New York Knicks big man Julius Randle would be undergoing season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. Randle has missed the last two months, last playing on January 27th against the Miami Heat. Even though Randle has been rehabbing the last two months in hopes of a playoff return, doctors warned him that further and permanent damage could be done to his shoulder if he did not get the surgery, according to Woj’s report. Randle was a huge part of the Knicks’ run this season. In 46 games, Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. With six games left for the Knicks, the team is having one of its best seasons in years. Currently 44-31, the Knicks sit as the 5th seed and would be facing the Orlando Magic if the playoffs started today. While Julius Randle would be a great addition to the team come playoff time, the Knicks have remained a top 10 offense and defense without him.

Steve Clifford to Move into Front Office; Charlotte Looking for Next Head Coach

In a move that many predicted following former majority owner Michael Jordan selling his stake in the team, Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford will be stepping down from his role at the end of the season and will be moving into the front office. Since the 2013-14 season, Clifford has coached the Charlotte Bobcats / Hornets twice (2013-14 to 2017-18 and 2022-23 to 2023-24) with a three-season stint with the Orlando Magic in between. In his seven seasons coaching the Hornets, Clifford has coached Charlotte to two winning seasons in his first stint with the team. Over the years, Clifford has been known to openly criticize his young team to the media, something that has gotten a mixed reception. In a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hornets have gotten the OK to interview Nuggets assistant David Adelman, Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez, Celtics assistant Charles Lee, and Suns assistant Kevin Young. This could be the first official head coaching position for all four candidates.

Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups Elected to Hall of Fame

First reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Vince Carter, and Chauncey Billups will be enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024. In addition, it was recently announced Jerry West would be entering the Hall of Fame for the third time, this time for his contributions to basketball. The full announcement is expected to come this weekend during the Final Four.

The fifth pick in the 1998 NBA Draft, Vince Carter spent 22 seasons in the NBA including stints in Toronto, New Jersey, Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Memphis, Sacramento, and Atlanta. Over his career, V.C. would have numerous accomplishments to his name including Rookie of the Year in 1999, eight All-Star appearances, and two All-NBA appearances. Carter will most be remembered for his time with the Toronto Raptors, helping bring basketball to Canada and inspire a generation of Canadian basketball players. Carter would also be remembered for the legendary 2000 dunk contest, going down as one of the best dunkers in basketball history.

The third overall pick in the 1997 draft, Chauncey Billups spent 17 seasons in the NBA and the last three seasons as the coach of the Portland Trailblazers. During his career as a player, Billups played in Boston, Toronto, Denver (twice), Minnesota, Detroit (twice), New York, and with the Clippers. Billups would be a key piece of the Pistons 2004 championship, winning Finals MVP. Other accomplishments for Billups include five All-Star appearances, three All-NBA appearances, and two All-Defensive appearances.