The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been deeply impacted by the dominant play and subsequent injury challenges of center Mitchell Robinson.
Early Season Dominance
For the first six weeks of the season, Robinson was a powerhouse in the paint, making his presence felt on both ends of the floor. He was leading the NBA in offensive rebounds, showcasing his tenacity and skill near the rim. Robinson also established himself as a premier lob threat and a formidable rim protector. However, despite his early dominance, there were signs that his shot-blocking ability had waned compared to his earlier seasons.
Injury Setbacks
Robinson's stellar run was abruptly halted due to a stress fracture in his left ankle. This injury required surgery and sidelined him for over three months. His return to the court was short-lived as he re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating yet another surgery. The Knicks, hopeful for his recovery, anticipate his comeback by December or January.
Adjustments in Robinson's Absence
During Robinson's initial absence, Isaiah Hartenstein stepped up seamlessly, showcasing his skills in drop coverage and as a paint defender. However, the Knicks lost Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency, compounding their challenges in the center position.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his defensive philosophy focused on minimizing rotations and keeping big men around the basket, was forced to adapt. He historically avoided centerless lineups in New York, relying on traditional big men. Following Robinson's initial injury last December, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. Sims, while shorter than Robinson but taller than Precious Achiuwa, brought an energetic and bouncy playing style to the court. He generated additional possessions and set strong offensive screens, although he struggled to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage.
Thibodeau's New Strategies
With the dynamics shifting, Thibodeau began exploring other options. "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 strategic consideration underscores Thibodeau’s willingness to adapt, even if it means brief positional shifts for his star players.
Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa: Evaluating the Alternatives
In the ongoing search for stability, Jericho Sims remains a pivotal figure. Though his shorter stature compared to Robinson poses certain limitations, his energy and screen-setting ability offer valuable contributions. Meanwhile, Precious Achiuwa, standing at 6-foot-8, brings agility to the table. Achiuwa has shown the ability to guard in the pick-and-roll and cover significant ground during rotations, adding another layer of versatility to Thibodeau’s defensive schemes.
The Knicks are navigating a season laden with unforeseen challenges and adjustments. With Robinson’s expected return on the horizon, the team looks forward to regaining its defensive backbone. Until then, the adaptability and strategic ingenuity of Thibodeau and his squad will be put to the test.