The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster, primarily influenced by the performance and health of standout center Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks of the season, Robinson was an indomitable force in the paint, demonstrating his prowess on both ends of the floor. Leading the NBA in offensive rebounds, he quickly established himself as one of the premier lob threats and rim protectors in the league.
Despite his early dominance, not all has gone smoothly for Robinson. His shot-blocking ability, which had been a key highlight in his earlier seasons, showed signs of diminishment. However, the more pressing issue has been his injury woes. Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle, requiring surgery and sidelining him for over three months. The Knicks' hopes suffered another blow when Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating another surgery. His expected return is targeted for December or January, leaving the team in a precarious position.
The absence of Robinson has been a significant setback for the Knicks, compounded by the departure of center Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein had seamlessly filled in for Robinson after his initial injury, excelling in drop coverage and defending the paint. The loss of such a reliable backup has only added to the challenges facing head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Adjusting the Defensive Strategy
Thibodeau's defensive philosophy over the past four seasons has centered around minimizing rotations and keeping big men close to the basket. Historically, he has avoided centerless lineups, preferring to rely on traditional big men. Following Robinson’s initial stress fracture last December, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. Though shorter than Robinson, Sims brought an energetic, bouncy playing style to the floor and was known for setting strong offensive screens and generating additional possessions. However, Sims has struggled to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage, highlighting a critical gap in the Knicks' defense.
With Robinson and Hartenstein both out, Thibodeau has had to consider other options, including Precious Achiuwa. Standing at 6-foot-8, Achiuwa is noted for his agility and ability to guard in the pick-and-roll, covering significant ground during rotations. This skill set makes him a potential solution to some of the defensive challenges the Knicks have faced without Robinson.
Exploring Versatility
Thibodeau has also been exploring the possibility of deploying Julius Randle at the center position for short stretches. "We'll look at some different things because we have versatility. We could see Julius [Randle] more at the 5," Thibodeau stated. "I don't want to do that for long stretches, it would take its toll, but to have him do it for 10 or 15 minutes, I think he can do it well. He also would create a lot of [offensive] advantages." Randle’s presence at the center could offer unique offensive advantages, though it remains to be seen how sustainable this option would be for extended periods.
The Knicks are navigating a challenging landscape, balancing between coping with injuries and exploring lineup versatility. While the timeline for Robinson’s return in December or January offers some hope, the interim period will test the team's depth and Thibodeau’s strategic acumen. As they move forward, the adaptability and performance of players like Sims and Achiuwa will be crucial in maintaining a competitive edge.
As the season unfolds, the Knicks and their fans will be eagerly watching for Robinson's return and the impact his presence will have on the court. Until then, the team must rely on its depth and versatility to navigate the challenges posed by a grueling NBA schedule. The resilience of the Knicks will be put to the test, but with strategic adjustments and key performances from their remaining roster, they aim to stay afloat in a highly competitive league.