The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has seen its fair share of highs and lows, with center Mitchell Robinson playing a pivotal role in the team's fortunes. For the first six weeks of the season, Robinson was an undeniable force on the court, anchoring the paint on both ends. Leading the NBA in offensive rebounds, Robinson's prowess established him as one of the league's premier lob threats and rim protectors, despite a noted decline in his shot-blocking compared to earlier seasons.
However, Robinson's season took a dramatic turn when he suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. The injury, which required surgery, sidelined him for over three months, leaving a significant void in the Knicks' defense. Unfortunately, the situation worsened as Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating another surgery. Currently, Robinson's return is anticipated around December or January.
Thibodeau's Defensive Philosophy
In the absence of Robinson, the Knicks had to adapt quickly. Losing center Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency was a significant blow. Hartenstein had filled in seamlessly for Robinson, excelling in drop coverage and providing stout paint defense, aligning well with head coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive philosophy. Over the past four seasons, Thibodeau has focused on minimizing rotations and keeping big men near the basket, historically shunning centerless lineups in favor of traditional big men.
Following Robinson's initial injury, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. Though Sims brought an energetic and bouncy playing style, contributing to additional possessions and setting strong offensive screens, he struggled to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage. Sims is shorter than Robinson but stands taller than Precious Achiuwa.
Versatility in Lineups
Precious Achiuwa, at 6-foot-8, offers a different skill set with his agility and ability to guard in pick-and-roll situations. Achiuwa's versatility could be a significant asset in covering ground during defensive rotations. Recognizing the need for adaptation, Thibodeau has hinted at leveraging the team's versatility in the coming games. "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."
With Randle potentially playing more at the center position, the Knicks may explore new dynamics on both offense and defense. Thibodeau's openness to adjusting lineups situationally could provide the team with the flexibility needed to navigate the challenging times ahead. The Knicks' resilience will be tested as they work towards staying competitive in the highly-contested Eastern Conference.
Robinson's absence isn't just a challenge—it's an opportunity for the Knicks to recalibrate and discover new strengths within their roster. As the team marches on without their starting center, the depth and versatility of players like Sims, Achiuwa, and potentially Randle in unconventional roles will be scrutinized. While the path forward may be fraught with difficulties, the Knicks' capacity to adapt may ultimately define their season.