The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been a tumultuous one, heavily influenced by the standout performance and unfortunate injury woes of their center, Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks, Robinson was a dominant force on both ends of the floor, cementing his place as one of the most formidable players in the paint.
Robinson led the NBA in offensive rebounds during this period, showcasing his exceptional talent and influence around the rim. In addition to his rebounding prowess, he established himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector. Despite his diminishing shot-blocking capabilities compared to past seasons, Robinson remained a crucial part of the Knicks' defensive scheme.
Injury Setbacks
The Knicks' promising start faced a significant setback when Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. This injury required surgery and sidelined him for over three months. The timing couldn't have been worse as Robinson's absence left a gaping hole in the team's defense and rebounding efforts.
His stand-in, Isaiah Hartenstein, who filled in seamlessly after Robinson's initial injury, was lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein excelled in drop coverage and paint defense, qualities that aligned perfectly with Coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive philosophy, which focuses on minimizing rotations and prioritizing traditional big men around the basket.
Following Robinson's injury, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. Sims, though shorter than Robinson, brought an energetic and bouncy playing style, contributing to additional possessions and setting strong offensive screens. However, his struggles in defending pick-and-rolls in drop coverage highlighted the significant gap left by Robinson.
Playoff Woes and Future Concerns
As the Knicks headed into the playoffs, hopes were high for Robinson's return. Unfortunately, he re-injured the same ankle, necessitating another surgery. This re-injury has prolonged his absence, with the anticipated comeback now projected for December or January. The Knicks will have to navigate the early part of the season without their star center, a challenge that may impact their defensive and rebounding stats significantly.
With Hartenstein no longer available, Thibodeau may need to explore alternative defensive strategies. Sims' struggles in drop coverage and the physical toll on Julius Randle if he were to play at the 5 position are potential concerns.
Thibodeau explained the situation, "We'll look at some different things because we have versatility. We could see Julius [Randle] more at the 5," he 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."
The Versatility of Precious Achiuwa
Another option for Thibodeau could be 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 substantial ground during rotations offers a different dimension to the Knicks' defense.
While the Knicks await Robinson's return, the combined efforts of Sims, Achiuwa, and potentially Randle at the center position will be pivotal. They will need to adapt quickly to patch the defensive gaps and maintain the momentum the team built in the early part of the season.
The resilience and flexibility of Thibodeau's squad will be tested in the coming months. As Robinson works his way back to full health, the Knicks must find ways to leverage their existing roster effectively to stay competitive in a challenging NBA landscape.