The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster largely due to the exceptional early performance and subsequent injury struggles of center Mitchell Robinson. Dominating both ends of the court during the first six weeks, Robinson quickly established himself as a pivotal player for the Knicks. His prowess in offensive rebounds was unmatched, leading the NBA and contributing to his reputation as a premier lob threat and rim protector.
However, this momentum hit a significant roadblock when Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. The injury necessitated surgery and kept him sidelined for over three months. Just as he was set to make a comeback, misfortune struck again as he re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, requiring yet another surgery. His anticipated return is projected for December or January, leaving the Knicks to navigate a challenging season without their defensive anchor for an extended period.
Impact of Robinson’s Absence
In the wake of Robinson's injuries, the Knicks faced the additional loss of center Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein had been a reliable fill-in for Robinson, excelling in drop coverage and solidifying the team’s paint defense. Head Coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his defensive strategies, had to pivot quickly.
Thibodeau’s Defensive Adjustments
Thibodeau's defensive philosophy has consistently emphasized minimizing rotations and keeping big men close to the basket. Historically, he has avoided using centerless lineups, relying instead on traditional big men to anchor the defense. When Robinson first sustained his injury last December, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center.
Sims, although shorter than Robinson, brought a different dynamic to the Knicks’ lineup. Known for his energetic and bouncy playing style, Sims effectively created additional possessions and set strong offensive screens. However, he struggled to defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage, highlighting a gap in the Knicks' defensive scheme without Robinson or Hartenstein.
On the other hand, Precious Achiuwa, standing at 6-foot-8, offered agility and the capability to guard in the pick-and-roll while covering significant ground during defensive rotations. Yet, Achiuwa's shorter stature compared to traditional centers slightly limited Thibodeau's options.
Exploring Versatility
Recognizing the importance of adaptability, Thibodeau indicated a willingness to experiment with the Knicks' lineup to offset the absence of a traditional big man. "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 statement underscores Thibodeau's strategy to leverage Randle’s versatility to fill the gap at the center position temporarily. While this approach is not a long-term solution, it offers a tactical advantage in specific game situations, leveraging Randle's offensive skills to create mismatches for opponents.
Looking Ahead
The Knicks face a critical juncture in the season as they await Robinson's return. His presence and defensive capability are invaluable, and his absence has necessitated significant adjustments in the roster and game strategy. The team’s ability to remain competitive hinges on how effectively Thibodeau can integrate the available players into his defensive schemes and adapt to the evolving challenges.
As Robinson works toward recovery, the Knicks must continue to explore and refine their strategies, ensuring they maintain their defensive integrity and capitalize on their offensive opportunities. This season, marked by unforeseen challenges, may well define the resilience and depth of the Knicks' roster.