The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been a rollercoaster, largely due to the influential performance and subsequent injury woes of center Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks, Robinson was a dominant presence in the paint, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. His prowess was particularly notable in offensive rebounds, a category where he led the NBA. Furthermore, he established himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector, although there was a noticeable dip in his shot-blocking compared to earlier seasons.
However, Robinson's impressive run was abruptly halted by a stress fracture in his left ankle. The injury not only required surgery but also sidelined him for over three months. Just as the Knicks were starting to adapt to his absence, Robinson's return was cut short when he re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating another surgery. The team, and its fans, now look towards a potential comeback for Robinson in December or January.
The impact of Robinson's injuries was compounded by the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein had stepped in seamlessly during Robinson's initial absence, excelling in drop coverage and providing stout paint defense. His loss has left a significant void in the Knicks' roster, one that head coach Tom Thibodeau has been working to fill.
Defensive Adjustments
Thibodeau’s defensive philosophy has been a defining feature of the Knicks over the past four seasons, focusing on minimizing rotations and keeping big men around the basket. Historically, Thibodeau has avoided centerless lineups, preferring to rely on traditional big men to anchor the defense. In the wake of Robinson's injury, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. Although Sims is shorter than Robinson, he brings an energetic and bouncy playing style, known for generating additional possessions and setting strong offensive screens. However, he has struggled to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage, presenting a challenge for the team’s defensive schemes.
Another option for the Knicks has been Precious Achiuwa, who stands at 6-foot-8 and is noted for his agility. Achiuwa's ability to guard in the pick-and-roll and cover significant ground during rotations offers a different defensive dynamic, although he lacks the traditional size of a center.
Exploring Versatility
In light of the challenges faced with Robinson’s injury and the transitional phase post-Hartenstein, Thibodeau has indicated a willingness to experiment with more versatile lineups. "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."
Utilizing Randle at the center position, even for short stints, could open up new offensive opportunities for the Knicks. Randle’s skill set allows him to leverage mismatches and stretch the floor, creating space for the shooters and drivers. This strategic tweak could be crucial for a team navigating the turbulent waters of injury and roster adjustments.
As the Knicks await Robinson's return, the team’s adaptability and Thibodeau’s strategic adjustments will be under the spotlight. Balancing defense with offensive creativity, and managing player workloads, will be pivotal if the Knicks aim to remain competitive amidst these challenges. The upcoming months will surely test the resilience and tactical acumen of both the players and the coaching staff.