Mitchell Robinson's Impact on the Knicks and the Road Ahead
The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been heavily influenced by the dominance and subsequent injury woes of center Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks of the season, Robinson was a force in the paint on both ends of the floor. Leading the NBA in offensive rebounds, he established himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector. His prowess as one of the league's best drop defenders was undeniable. Yet, his ability to block shots had diminished compared to his earlier seasons.
Unfortunately, Robinson's momentum was halted by a stress fracture in his left ankle, a setback that required surgery and resulted in an absence of over three months from the court. His return in a reduced role was short-lived, as he re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs. This necessitated another surgery, pushing his expected comeback to December or January, according to Yaron Weitzman.
Adding to the Knicks' challenges, they lost center Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein had seamlessly filled in for Robinson after his initial injury, excelling in drop coverage and as a paint defender. The absence of Hartenstein leaves a significant gap in the Knicks' defensive strategy, which has been predominantly conservative under the guidance of coach Tom Thibodeau.
Thibodeau's defensive philosophy over the past four seasons has focused on minimizing rotations and keeping big men around the basket. This strategy was effective with Robinson and Hartenstein anchoring the defense. Now, with both players unavailable, Thibodeau faces the challenge of adjusting his lineup. Historically, Thibodeau has avoided centerless lineups in New York, preferring to rely on traditional big men.
In the interim, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center following Robinson's initial stress fracture last December. While Sims stands a bit shorter than Robinson, he is taller than another potential fill-in, Precious Achiuwa, and possesses an energetic, bouncy playing style. With Sims known for generating additional possessions and setting strong offensive screens, his contribution is notable. However, he has struggled to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage, a critical aspect of Thibodeau's defensive scheme.
Achiuwa, on the other hand, brings versatility, standing at 6-foot-8 and noted for his agility. His ability to guard in the pick-and-roll and cover a significant amount of ground during rotations could prove beneficial. Thibodeau's approach may need to adapt, incorporating Achiuwa's strengths where applicable.
In light of Robinson's and Hartenstein's absence, Thibodeau has indicated plans to explore 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."
Randle's potential deployment as a center could indeed shift offensive dynamics, providing an opportunity for Thibodeau's squad to innovate and adapt through these challenging times. However, this strategy must be balanced to prevent overextending Randle, ensuring his effectiveness and durability throughout the season.
The Knicks' defensive strategy and overall performance will largely hinge on how well Thibodeau can navigate these roster adjustments. Integrating Sims and Achiuwa effectively while occasionally deploying Randle as a center could provide a multifaceted approach to maintain competitive play. As Robinson works toward recovery, the team's ability to adapt will be crucial in navigating the early season hurdles and setting a foundation for future success.