The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been significantly impacted by the performance and health struggles of their center, Mitchell Robinson. For the initial six weeks, Robinson was a commanding presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. He led the NBA in offensive rebounds and established himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector.
However, despite his prowess in the paint, Robinson's ability to block shots had seen a decline compared to his earlier seasons. The situation took a turn for the worse when he suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. This injury required surgery and sidelined him for over three months. The setback was compounded when Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating another surgery. His expected return is slated for December or January.
Impact on the Lineup
The Knicks were also hit by the loss of center Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein had been a reliable substitute for Robinson following his initial injury, excelling in drop coverage and as a paint defender. The departure left a void that Coach Tom Thibodeau had to address quickly.
Thibodeau's defensive strategy over the past four seasons has been predicated on minimizing rotations and keeping big men near the basket. Historically, he has avoided centerless lineups, relying instead on traditional big men. Following Robinson's initial stress fracture last December, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. While Sims brought energy and was adept at generating additional possessions and setting strong offensive screens, he struggled to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage.
Exploring Options
Despite these challenges, Thibodeau has remained adaptable, exploring different strategies to fill the gap left by Robinson and Hartenstein. "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."
Another alternative for the Knicks is Precious Achiuwa, who stands at 6-foot-8 and is noted for his agility. Unlike Sims, Achiuwa can guard in the pick-and-roll and cover a significant amount of ground during rotations. This flexibility could prove valuable as Thibodeau looks to stabilize the Knicks' defense during Robinson's absence.
Looking Forward
Mitchell Robinson's injuries have undeniably been a blow to the Knicks. His dominant presence in the paint on both ends of the court was a cornerstone of their strategy. As the team navigates through these challenges, Thibodeau's adjustments and the performances of players like Sims and Achiuwa will be crucial for maintaining stability and competitiveness.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting Robinson’s return, hoping he can recapture his early-season form. Until then, the Knicks will have to rely on their collective resilience and strategic versatility to weather this storm. With the season still in its early stages, the potential for recovery and success remains within reach.