NBA Draft Rumors: Julius Randle’s injury concerning teams

By Bryan Rose | Jun 12, 2014

Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Julius Randle (30) battles for a loose ball with Connecticut Huskies forward DeAndre Daniels (2) in the second half during the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

While Julius Randle isn’t likely to be a top five pick in the upcoming 2014 NBA Draft, it’s very possible he’ll be selected in the top ten.

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That is, assuming he’s healthy.

However, there are growing concerns over the health of the former Kentucky forward who will reportedly need to go under the knife for an operation on his right foot after the NBA Draft. The procedure likely won’t put a damper into his regular season, though, will obviously prevent him from playing during Summer League given a likely 6-8 week recovery window.

According to several team executives, the 6-foot-9 Kentucky forward’s broken right foot hasn’t healed correctly — and sources confirmed a Yahoo! Sports report that Randle may need surgery after the June 26 NBA draft that will keep him out of summer league.

“This is an issue,” one executive told ESPN.com. “It didn’t heal right.”

Randle had a screw inserted into his foot after suffering the injury during the second game of the Wildcat’s season, though it appears as if the foot has become problematic.

It’s not known how much this will alter his draft stock, though if teams have growing concerns it’s very possible Randle could see a possible slip. Though, all it takes is one team who believes he’s fine and they could end up getting a steal if he is to fall.

Randle is scheduled to visit the Boston Celtics on Friday. They currently own the 6th pick in the late June draft, though have been rumored to desire a move back or completely out of the draft if they can acquire a veteran.