The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has seen its share of ups and downs, largely shaped by the performance and health issues of their standout center, Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks, Robinson's impact on the court was palpable, cementing his status as one of the dominant forces in the paint on both ends of the floor.
Robinson's Dominance and Setbacks
Early in the season, Robinson led the NBA in offensive rebounds and established himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector. His presence in the paint was formidable, though his shot-blocking prowess had waned compared to his earlier seasons. Nevertheless, Robinson's contributions made him indispensable to the Knicks' game plan.
However, Robinson's season took a turn for the worse when he suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. The injury required surgery and sidelined him for over three months. The Knicks felt his absence acutely, as he went through recovery and rehabilitation. Upon his return, his misfortune continued with a re-injury to the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating another surgery. As of now, Robinson is expected to make a comeback in December or January.
Relying on Depth: Hartenstein and Sims
Mitchell Robinson's injury thrust the Knicks into a challenging situation, exacerbated by the free agency departure of Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hartenstein had admirably filled in for Robinson after his initial injury, excelling in drop coverage and as a paint defender. The loss left the Knicks searching for reliable options at the center position.
Coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive philosophy, honed over the past four seasons, emphasizes minimizing rotations and keeping big men anchored around the basket. True to form, Thibodeau has been reluctant to deploy centerless lineups, favoring traditional big men instead. Following Robinson's first major injury, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims to fill the void.
Sims, while shorter than Robinson but taller than Precious Achiuwa, brings an energetic and bouncy playing style. Known for generating additional possessions and setting robust offensive screens, Sims found his opportunities to shine. However, his ability to defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage has been less effective, highlighting areas in need of improvement.
Exploring Versatility: Achiuwa and Randle
The Knicks also have Precious Achiuwa, a 6-foot-8 player noted for his agility. Achiuwa's defensive versatility allows him to guard effectively in pick-and-roll scenarios and cover a significant amount of ground during rotations. His presence offers the Knicks additional flexibility in their defensive setups.
In light of the challenges at the center position, Coach Thibodeau has hinted at exploring different lineup configurations. "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."
Looking Ahead
As the Knicks navigate through these tumultuous times, the focus remains on leveraging their versatile roster effectively. The adjustments and decisions made in the absence of a fully fit Mitchell Robinson will be critical for their aspirations this season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Thibodeau's strategies unfold and whether the Knicks can maintain their competitive edge until their star center makes a full recovery and returns to the court.