The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been significantly affected by the performance and subsequent injuries of their center, Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks of the season, Robinson was a dominant force in the paint, excelling on both offensive and defensive ends.
Robinson's impact was profound, as he led the NBA in offensive rebounds and established himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector. However, his ability to block shots, once a hallmark of his game, had diminished compared to earlier seasons. This reduction in shot-blocking prowess did not detract from his overall contribution, as his presence in the paint continued to be a crucial element for the Knicks.
Unfortunately, Robinson’s momentum was halted due to a stress fracture in his left ankle, necessitating surgery and sidelining him for over three months. The Knicks had to adapt quickly to his absence, turning to Isaiah Hartenstein, who had joined the team from the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein seamlessly filled Robinson’s shoes, excelling in drop coverage and as a paint defender. His performance provided some stability to a Knicks' defense that is heavily reliant on traditional big men under Coach Tom Thibodeau’s philosophy.
Thibodeau's Defensive Philosophy
Thibodeau’s defensive strategies over the past four seasons have focused on minimizing rotations and keeping big men near the basket. Tactical adjustments have rarely involved centerless lineups, reflecting Thibodeau’s preference for traditional defensive setups. The stress fracture Robinson suffered last December forced Thibodeau to adapt once more, this time by turning to Jericho Sims as the starting center.
Sims, while shorter than Robinson but taller than Precious Achiuwa, brought a different energy to the position. Known for generating additional possessions and setting strong offensive screens, Sims energized the squad but struggled with defending pick-and-rolls in drop coverage, exposing a gap in the team's defense.
Precious Achiuwa, standing at 6-foot-8 with noted agility, presented another option for Thibodeau. Achiuwa’s ability to guard pick-and-roll scenarios and cover significant ground during rotations became invaluable amidst the shuffling of defensive lineups spurred by Robinson’s injury.
Mitchell Robinson's Return
The Knicks' playoff hopes took another hit when Robinson re-injured his left ankle, necessitating another surgery. The anticipated return for Robinson is slated for December or January, a timeline that has forced the Knicks to strategize for his prolonged absence. In Robinson’s absence, Thibodeau has had to contemplate alternative defensive configurations, including the possibility of utilizing Julius Randle more frequently at the 5 position.
Thibodeau reflected on this potential lineup adjustment by saying, "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."
Future Outlook
The versatility Thibodeau alludes to could be crucial as the Knicks navigate a challenging phase without their key rim protector. Integrating Randle into a center role for limited periods may offer additional offensive benefits, allowing for innovative rotations that could compensate for defensive gaps left by Robinson's absence. The adaptability and resilience of the Knicks’ roster will be put to the test as they forge ahead in a competitive season, aiming to overcome the setbacks caused by critical injuries.
As Mitchell Robinson inches closer to his return, the Knicks will have to rely on a combination of emerging talents and strategic adjustments to maintain their defensive integrity and push for playoff contention. The adjustments and performances in Robinson's absence will likely have lasting implications on the team's strategy and success throughout the remainder of the season.