The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season trajectory has been significantly impacted by the formidable presence and subsequent injury challenges of their center, Mitchell Robinson.
Robinson began the season as a powerhouse, dominating the paint on both offensive and defensive ends. For the initial six weeks, he led the NBA in offensive rebounds and established himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector. His sheer presence was a game-changer for the Knicks. However, there was a noticeable decline in his shot-blocking prowess compared to his earlier seasons.
Unfortunately, Robinson's promising start was abruptly halted by a stress fracture in his left ankle, necessitating surgery and sidelining him for over three crucial months. The Knicks had hoped for his return to bolster their playoff aspirations, but fate had other plans. Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, a setback that required another surgical intervention. His expected comeback is tentatively slated for December or January, a timeline that leaves the Knicks grappling with uncertainty in the center position.
Changes in the Lineup
The offseason further complicated the Knicks' center dilemma. Isaiah Hartenstein, who had seamlessly stepped in for Robinson post-injury, left for the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein had excelled in drop coverage, providing commendable paint defense that aligned well with Coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive philosophy.
Thibodeau has consistently emphasized minimizing rotations and keeping big men close to the basket over the past four seasons. Historically averse to centerless lineups, Thibodeau has relied on traditional big men to anchor his defense. Despite the challenging circumstances, Thibodeau adapted by turning to Jericho Sims as the starting center after Robinson's initial injury last December.
Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa Step In
Though shorter than Robinson, Sims, known for his energetic and bouncy playing style, contributed by generating additional possessions and setting strong offensive screens. However, he struggled to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage—a crucial aspect of Thibodeau's defensive scheme.
In contrast, Precious Achiuwa, standing at 6-foot-8, brings notable agility to the floor. His ability to guard in the pick-and-roll and cover substantial ground during rotations offers a different dynamic to the Knicks' defensive setup.
Strategic Adjustments
Facing these challenges, Thibodeau hinted at potential strategic adjustments. "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."
Thibodeau's willingness to experiment with Randle at the center position, albeit for limited periods, underscores his flexible approach in managing the roster's current deficiencies. Such a move could exploit Randle's offensive versatility while mitigating the need to overextend Sims and Achiuwa.
The Knicks' ability to navigate Robinson's absence and the departure of Hartenstein will be critical in sustaining their defensive integrity and overall competitive edge. As the season progresses, the onus will be on Thibodeau and his coaching staff to balance these adjustments while maintaining performance levels that keep the playoff hopes alive.