The Arkansas Razorbacks have been hit with another setback as guard Karter Knox underwent a successful procedure to repair his left meniscus, leaving him sidelined indefinitely with no clear timeline for a return.
Knox had just worked his way back into the rotation for a brief stretch after battling a lingering knee injury for much of the season. Now, with surgery required to address the issue fully, Arkansas will once again be without one of its key perimeter pieces as the Razorbacks push deeper into conference play.
Karter Knox Endures a Season of Frustration
It’s been an uphill year for Knox from the start. Entering the season with NBA draft aspirations, the talented guard struggled to find rhythm on an Arkansas team largely defined by its two freshman stars in the backcourt. Consistency proved elusive as injuries interrupted any opportunity to build momentum.
Knox finishes this stretch averaging 8.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 46% from the field and 37.7% from three-point range. The flashes were there, particularly his ability to stretch the floor and contribute on the glass, but he never quite found sustained comfort within the Razorbacks’ offensive system.
Given the timing of the procedure and the lack of a recovery timetable, it now seems increasingly likely Knox will return next season to reestablish his draft stock and play a larger role in Arkansas’ plans.
Coach Calipari's Rotation Impact: More Minutes to Go Around
The timing is significant. Arkansas had already been navigating injuries in the backcourt, including time missed by guard DJ Wagner. Wagner, however, is now back in the rotation and playing a healthy allotment of minutes, a strong indication that he’s feeling closer to 100 percent and that head coach John Calipari trusts him to carry a heavier load.
With Knox sidelined, expect Wagner’s role to expand even further.
There will also be increased opportunities for Billy Richmond III, who has been on a hot streak lately and could see a significant bump in usage. Richmond’s recent production gives Arkansas reason for optimism, especially as the rotation tightens.
Additional minutes should funnel to Meleek Thomas and the rest of the starting group as well. The Razorbacks could realistically condense to a seven- or eight-man rotation, leaning heavily on their primary contributors as the stakes rise.
Knox’s absence undoubtedly tests Arkansas’ depth. The Razorbacks still have the talent to absorb the loss, particularly with Wagner back to full strength and Richmond emerging as a reliable option. But the margin for error shrinks considerably.
The focus now becomes durability. Arkansas must hope the injury bug doesn’t strike again, because while the pieces are in place to compete, the roster can ill afford another significant absence.
For Knox, the priority shifts to recovery and a strong offseason. For Arkansas, it’s about reshuffling the rotation, maximizing the talent available, and staying healthy when it matters most.