The New York Knicks' 2023-24 campaign has been significantly impacted by the presence and subsequent absences of their center, Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks of the season, Robinson dominated the paint on both ends of the floor, leading the NBA in offensive rebounds and establishing himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector. However, his effectiveness in blocking shots had waned compared to earlier seasons.
The situation took a turn for the worse when Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. This injury required surgery, sidelining him for over three months. Just as the Knicks were beginning to adapt to life without him, Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating another surgery. The timetable for his return is set for December or January, a time frame that will test the Knicks' depth and resilience.
The Impact of Isaiah Hartenstein and Defensive Adjustments
In the wake of Robinson's initial injury, Isaiah Hartenstein emerged as a crucial player for the Knicks. Hartenstein, who seamlessly filled in for Robinson, excelled in drop coverage and as a paint defender. Nevertheless, the Knicks lost Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency, further complicating their roster dynamics.
Head Coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive philosophy over the past four seasons has focused on minimizing rotations and keeping big men around the basket. Historically, Thibodeau has avoided centerless lineups, preferring to rely on traditional big men. Following Robinson's stress fracture last December, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. While Sims brings an energetic, bouncy playing style, generating additional possessions and setting strong offensive screens, he has struggled to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage.
Evaluating Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa
Sims, while shorter than Robinson, stands taller than Precious Achiuwa. Achiuwa, standing at 6-foot-8, is noted for his agility and his ability to guard in the pick-and-roll, covering significant ground during rotations. This defensive versatility could prove invaluable as the Knicks navigate the rest of the season without Robinson.
Thibodeau's Tactical Pivots
With Robinson's return months away and Hartenstein gone, Thibodeau might need to explore unconventional strategies. "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."
Such a move could offer Thibodeau the flexibility needed in his defensive setups, potentially unleashing Randle's ability to create offensive mismatches. However, this adaptation would need to be managed carefully to preserve Randle's stamina and effectiveness over the long term.
The Road Ahead
As the Knicks embark on this challenging stretch, the resilience and adaptability of their roster will be thoroughly tested. The integration of Sims, Achiuwa, and possibly even Randle in unconventional roles will be critical. Each player's capacity to fill the void left by Robinson and Hartenstein will be pivotal in determining the Knicks' success.
While Robinson's timeline suggests a return around December or January, the Knicks must find a way to stay competitive in his absence. This period will be a significant test for Thibodeau's coaching acumen and the team's overall depth.
Ultimately, the Knicks' ability to navigate these challenges will determine their season's trajectory. With strategic adjustments and key performances from their big men, they aim to remain a formidable force in the Eastern Conference.