The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has seen significant turbulence, largely due to the performances and subsequent injury struggles of their cornerstone center, Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks, Robinson was a formidable presence on both ends of the court. Dominating the paint, he was leading the NBA in offensive rebounds and had solidified his status as a premier lob threat and rim protector, despite his shot-blocking prowess showing signs of decline compared to earlier seasons.
However, Robinson's momentum was abruptly halted by a stress fracture in his left ankle, an injury severe enough to necessitate surgery and sideline him for over three months. Just as the Knicks were adjusting to his absence, Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, leading to yet another surgical procedure. The team now anticipates his return around December or January.
Filling the Void
The Knicks' rotation was further disrupted by the offseason departure of Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hartenstein had seamlessly stepped up in Robinson's absence, excelling in drop coverage and maintaining robust paint defense. His unexpected move left a significant gap in the Knicks' frontcourt.
Keen strategists recall that Head Coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive philosophy has consistently emphasized minimizing rotations and keeping big men close to the basket. Historically, Thibodeau has shied away from centerless lineups, favoring traditional big men for maintaining defensive stability.
Adjusting with Jericho Sims
Faced with Robinson's prolonged absence, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the new starting center. Although Sims is shorter than Robinson, he brings a unique, energetic playing style to the court. Known for his ability to generate additional possessions and his strength in setting offensive screens, Sims provides a different dynamic. Nonetheless, his inexperience has been evident, particularly in his struggles with defending pick-and-rolls in drop coverage.
The Role of Precious Achiuwa
Another option for Thibodeau has been to utilize the agility of 6-foot-8 Precious Achiuwa. Notable for his ability to guard in the pick-and-roll and cover expansive areas during rotations, Achiuwa offers versatility despite his smaller stature compared to traditional centers. This flexibility could be crucial for the Knicks as they navigate the rest of the season without Robinson.
Exploring Unconventional Strategies
In light of these challenges, Thibodeau has hinted at experimenting with different lineup configurations. "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."
The potential use of Randle at center could indeed open up new offensive possibilities, creating mismatches and allowing the Knicks to exploit Randle's strengths in different phases of the game.
Outlook for the Knicks
As the team awaits Robinson's return, the Knicks will need to adapt and optimize the resources at their disposal. Thibodeau's adaptability in exploring various lineup options and the team’s depth in the frontcourt will be tested in the coming months. The ability to maintain defensive integrity and offensive efficiency without Robinson and Hartenstein will likely define the Knicks' season trajectory.
The upcoming months will be a critical period for the Knicks. The hope is that Robinson's eventual return will provide the stability and prowess they have sorely missed, potentially bolstering a playoff run. Until then, all eyes will be on Thibodeau's strategic adjustments and the performances of Sims, Achiuwa, and other key contributors.