The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been marked by the powerful influence and unfortunate injury troubles of center Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks, Robinson was a dominating presence in the paint, making an impact on both ends of the floor. Leading the NBA in offensive rebounds, he established himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector. However, his shot-blocking ability had noticeably declined compared to earlier seasons.
Robinson's promising performance was cut short by a stress fracture in his left ankle. This injury necessitated surgery and sidelined him for over three months. Tragically, the saga didn't end there. During the playoffs, he re-injured the same ankle, requiring yet another surgery, with his return now anticipated for December or January.
A Season of Adjustments
The Knicks faced another hurdle as they lost center Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein had seamlessly filled in for Robinson after the initial injury, excelling in drop coverage and as a paint defender. This left Coach Tom Thibodeau in a bind, having to realign the team's defensive strategies.
Known for his defensive philosophies that minimize rotations and keep big men around the basket, Thibodeau has historically shied away from centerless lineups. Instead, he turned to Jericho Sims following Robinson's stress fracture last December. Although not as tall as Robinson, Sims brought an energetic, bouncy playing style, generating additional possessions and setting strong offensive screens. Nonetheless, Sims has struggled to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage, a critical weakness in Thibodeau's system.
Exploring New Options
Amid these challenges, the Knicks considered versatile alternatives to fill the void left by Robinson and Hartenstein. Thibodeau did not rule out using Julius Randle more at the center position. "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."
Moreover, the team had Precious Achiuwa, standing at 6-foot-8, who is noted for his agility. His ability to guard in the pick-and-roll and cover significant ground during rotations made him a potential asset. The Knicks' willingness to experiment reflects their quest for a balance between defensive solidity and maintaining offensive threats.
Challenges and Prospects
The absence of a mainstay like Robinson has undeniably affected the Knicks' game plan. His presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively, was a key element of their early-season success. His injuries not only disrupted their rhythm but also forced the team to rely on makeshift solutions that may not always align perfectly with Thibodeau's defensive philosophies.
The loss of Hartenstein added another layer of complexity. He was a reliable backup and an effective filler in Robinson's absence. Adjusting to life without both these players has been a significant ordeal, one that the Knicks hope to navigate through with strategic adaptability and versatile player deployment.
As the Knicks look forward to Robinson’s expected comeback, they must manage their rotations judiciously, ensuring that they remain competitive while awaiting the return of their anchor in the paint. Integrating Randle and exploring more from Achiuwa could provide short-term solutions, but the long-term success will hinge on Robinson’s recovery and sustained health.
In a season fraught with challenges, the Knicks' ability to adapt and persevere will ultimately define their course. The adjustments made now could not only salvage their current campaign but also lay the groundwork for future resilience and versatility.