The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has seen its share of highs and lows, with the team’s fortunes closely tied to the presence of center Mitchell Robinson. Robinson’s impact during the early weeks of the season was undeniable; he became a commanding force at both ends of the floor, leading the NBA in offensive rebounds and establishing himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector. However, an unfortunate series of injuries has clouded his otherwise stellar contributions.
For the first six weeks, Robinson reigned as a dominant force in the paint, but his season took a turn for the worse when he suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. The injury required surgery, sidelining him for over three months. Before his injury, Robinson's ability to block shots had already started to wane compared to his previous seasons. The Knicks were left to navigate the season without their defensive anchor, leading to various strategic adjustments by head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Thibodeau’s Defensive Adjustments
With Robinson out, Isaiah Hartenstein stepped up, filling in seamlessly as the center. Hartenstein thrived in drop coverage and as a paint defender, aligning well with Thibodeau’s defensive philosophy. During Thibodeau's four-year tenure, his strategy has often involved minimizing rotations and keeping big men anchored near the basket.
However, the Knicks faced another setback when Hartenstein departed for the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. This left Thibodeau in search of yet another viable option at center. The coach turned to Jericho Sims, who became the starting center following Robinson's initial injury.
Sims, though shorter than Robinson, provided energy and tenacity on the floor. Known for generating additional possessions and setting robust offensive screens, Sims brought an exciting, bouncy style of play. Yet, his struggles in defending pick-and-rolls in drop coverage presented challenges for the Knicks.
Exploring Other Options
Thibodeau also explored the potential of Precious Achiuwa, a 6-foot-8 forward known for his agility and ability to guard pick-and-roll situations effectively. Achiuwa’s versatility allowed him to cover significant ground during defensive rotations, providing an alternative look for the Knicks’ defense.
Recognizing the existing versatility within the roster, Thibodeau hinted at another tactical shift. "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
Robinson’s re-injury during the playoffs further compounded the Knicks' woes. The same ankle issue reemerged, requiring another surgery. The timetable for Robinson’s return is projected to be around December or January, leaving the Knicks to manage their lineup and strategy in his absence.
The Knicks' ability to stay competitive hinges on how effectively they can adapt without their star center. The team’s reliance on traditional big men has been a hallmark under Thibodeau, and the challenge now lies in maintaining their defensive integrity while navigating these injuries. As the season progresses, the Knicks will have to leverage their depth and the versatility of their roster to sustain their performance until Robinson returns to full health.
With a blend of promising talent and strategic adjustments, the Knicks aim to weather this storm and continue their push for success in the 2023-24 season, awaiting the impactful return of Mitchell Robinson.