The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has seen its fair share of ups and downs, largely influenced by the performance and health of center Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks, Robinson was an undeniable force on both ends of the floor, showcasing his ability to dominate in the paint. He led the NBA in offensive rebounds, firmly establishing himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector. However, his shot-blocking ability had taken a slight dip compared to earlier seasons.
Robinson's momentum came to a grinding halt when he suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. The injury required surgery, sidelining him for over three months. Just when fans thought they would see him back on the court, Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating a second surgery. The Knicks are hopeful for his return in December or January.
Impact of Robinson's Absence
The loss of Robinson hit the Knicks' defensive strategy hard. Head coach Tom Thibodeau's philosophy over the past four seasons has been to minimize rotations and keep big men around the basket to anchor the defense. Historically, Thibodeau has avoided centerless lineups, relying instead on traditional big men to enforce his defensive schemes.
After Robinson's initial injury, Isaiah Hartenstein stepped up to fill the void seamlessly. Hartenstein excelled in drop coverage and as a paint defender, becoming an integral part of the Knicks' defense. His loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency was another blow to the Knicks' roster.
Next in Line: Jericho Sims
When Robinson was first sidelined with his stress fracture last December, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. Sims, though shorter than Robinson, brought an energetic and bouncy playing style to the court. Known for generating additional possessions and setting strong offensive screens, Sims provided a different dynamic for the team. However, he struggled to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage, exposing a weakness in Thibodeau's system.
Thibodeau has also experimented with Precious Achiuwa, who stands at 6-foot-8 and is noted for his agility. Achiuwa's ability to guard the pick-and-roll and cover significant ground during rotations has made him a valuable asset. Yet, the search for a reliable center continues to be a pressing issue for the Knicks.
Considering Versatility
In the wake of Robinson's ongoing injury saga and the departure of Hartenstein, Thibodeau has begun to explore versatile lineups that include using Julius Randle at the 5. "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 versatility could provide the Knicks with new offensive options, but it's clear that Thibodeau remains cautious about overextending Randle in a role he isn't accustomed to playing full-time.
The Road Ahead
As the Knicks navigate the challenges presented by Robinson's injuries, their ability to adapt will be crucial. Whether it's relying on Sims' energy, Achiuwa's agility, or experimenting with Randle at center, Thibodeau's strategic maneuvers will be under intense scrutiny. The team's performance in the upcoming months will depend significantly on how well they can compensate for the absence of their star center.
With Robinson's expected return still months away, the Knicks face a critical period that could define their season. The resilience and adaptability of Thibodeau's squad will determine whether they can weather the storm or will struggle without their defensive anchor. As December and January approach, all eyes will be on the Knicks to see if they can hold the line until Robinson is back on the court.