The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been a rollercoaster, largely shaped by the ups and downs of center Mitchell Robinson. From his commanding presence in the paint to his unfortunate string of injuries, Robinson's journey has been a focal point for the team and its fans.
For the first six weeks of the season, Robinson was a dominant force on both ends of the court. His prowess was undeniable, leading the league in offensive rebounds, and establishing himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector. However, his ability to block shots had seen a reduction compared to his earlier seasons, though it didn't diminish his impact on the game.
But Robinson's impressive run was abruptly halted by a stress fracture in his left ankle, an injury that required surgery and sidelined him for over three months. Just as the Knicks were bracing for his return, the playoffs brought another setback. Robinson re-injured the same ankle, necessitating another surgery. The Knicks now hope for his comeback around December or January.
Shuffling the Lineup
Robinson's injury woes have forced Coach Tom Thibodeau to make significant adjustments to the lineup. The offseason saw the loss of center Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency. Hartenstein had played a crucial role, seamlessly stepping in for Robinson after his initial injury. Known for his defensive capabilities in drop coverage, Hartenstein's departure marked a significant blow to the Knicks' defensive structure.
In the absence of both Robinson and Hartenstein, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. Sims, while shorter than Robinson, is still taller than Precious Achiuwa and boasts an energetic playing style. His ability to generate additional possessions and set solid offensive screens has been noteworthy, though he has struggled in defending pick-and-rolls in drop coverage.
Defensive Philosophy and Adjustments
Thibodeau's defensive strategy over the past four seasons has largely focused on minimizing rotations and keeping big men around the basket. This has often led to an avoidance of centerless lineups, with Thibodeau displaying a preference for traditional big men.
"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."
This potential shift indicates Thibodeau's willingness to adapt and utilize the versatility within the roster, despite his traditional preferences.
Versatile Options
An intriguing element in the Knicks' lineup is Precious Achiuwa. Standing at 6-foot-8, Achiuwa is noted for his agility and ability to cover a significant amount of ground during rotations. His skills in guarding the pick-and-roll offer a different dynamic for the Knicks' defense, providing Thibodeau with more options to consider as he navigates the challenges posed by Robinson's absence.
While the Knicks strive to remain competitive without their premier center, the adjustments and strategic variations implemented by Thibodeau will be crucial. The integration of versatile players and experimenting with different lineups might just be the key to navigating this tumultuous season.
As fans eagerly await Robinson's return, the resilience and adaptability displayed by the team will be under the microscope. The journey so far has been anything but smooth, but the Knicks have shown they possess the depth and flexibility to handle the twists and turns of an NBA season.