The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been marked by significant highs and lows, largely influenced by the play and unfortunate injury setbacks of their star center, Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks of the season, Robinson was nothing short of dominant, making his presence felt on both ends of the court.
Robinson's impact was especially notable in offensive rebounds, where he was leading the NBA. He established himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector, cornerstone qualities for any team looking to impose its will in the paint. However, despite his prowess, Robinson's ability to block shots had shown a decline compared to his earlier seasons, a subtle but notable detail in his overall performance.
Injury Woes
The promising season took an unfortunate turn when Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. This injury required surgery and led to an absence of over three months, a significant blow to the Knicks' defensive and rebounding capabilities. The setback didn't end there; Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating another surgery. As a result, the team is now bracing for an expected comeback from Robinson sometime between December and January.
Next Man Up
In Robinson's absence, the Knicks initially turned to Isaiah Hartenstein, who had joined the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein had seamlessly filled the role left by Robinson, excelling in drop coverage and serving as a reliable paint defender. His performance highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the team under such unpredictable circumstances.
Coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive philosophy, which has emphasized minimizing rotations and keeping big men around the basket, was put to the test. Historically, Thibodeau has avoided centerless lineups, preferring to rely on traditional big men. In the wake of Robinson's initial injury, Jericho Sims was tapped as the starting center. While Sims brought an energetic and bouncy playing style, generating additional possessions and setting robust offensive screens, he struggled to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage.
Adjusting the Lineup
With Robinson and Hartenstein out of the picture, Thibodeau is exploring various lineup options to maintain the team's defensive integrity. One potential adjustment involves utilizing Julius Randle more at the center position. "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."
This strategy, albeit temporary, underscores Thibodeau's willingness to innovate and adapt in response to the challenges posed by his roster's health issues. Another player who has come into consideration is Precious Achiuwa, standing at 6-foot-8 and known for his agility. Achiuwa offers the ability to guard in the pick-and-roll and cover substantial ground during rotations, providing a potential stopgap solution in the days ahead.
As the Knicks navigate these turbulent times, it is clear that the contributions of Robinson and the adaptability of the coaching staff will be pivotal. The team's resilience and strategic flexibility will be critical in determining whether they can stay competitive and make a deep playoff run.