The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been significantly shaped by the contributions and subsequent setbacks of their standout center, Mitchell Robinson. In the opening six weeks, Robinson’s presence was felt on both ends of the floor, establishing himself as a premier offensive rebounder and a pivotal figure in their defensive scheme.
Robinson’s early-season dominance saw him leading the NBA in offensive rebounds, providing relentless pressure in the paint. However, a stress fracture in his left ankle dramatically altered the Knicks' trajectory. This injury required surgery and sidelined Robinson for over three months, dealing a severe blow to the team's interior defense and overall performance.
The Knicks faced further adversity when Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating another surgery and extending his absence. The team now hopes for his return in December or January, a timeline that underscores the importance of his recovery for their mid-season aspirations.
Impactful Absence and Team Adjustments
In Robinson’s absence, the Knicks have had to make significant adjustments. They lost Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency, a player who had admirably filled Robinson’s void initially. Hartenstein's proficiency in drop coverage and paint defense suited Coach Tom Thibodeau's scheme perfectly.
Thibodeau’s defensive philosophy over the past four seasons has relied heavily on minimizing rotations and keeping big men close to the basket. He has historically avoided using lineups without a traditional center, emphasizing the importance of a solid, rim-protecting presence. When Robinson first went down last December, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center.
The Jericho Sims Experiment
Sims brought a new dynamic to the role. Although shorter than Robinson, Sims' energetic and bouncy playing style injected a different kind of vigor into the Knicks' frontcourt. Known for generating additional possessions and setting substantial offensive screens, Sims offered a unique blend of attributes. However, his struggles to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage highlighted the challenge of filling Robinson’s shoes.
A notable aspect of Sims' profile is his height advantage over forward Precious Achiuwa, who stands at 6-foot-8. Achiuwa's agility and defensive versatility allow him to guard pick-and-rolls efficiently and cover a significant amount of ground during rotations. This aspect has opened up discussions within the coaching staff about potential lineup configurations.
Versatility and Strategic Shifts
One such conversation involves utilizing Julius Randle as a small-ball center. "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 stint at the center spot, although not a permanent solution, hints at an adaptive approach that could help the Knicks navigate difficult matchups. This strategic flexibility might prove crucial as the team anticipates Robinson’s return.
Looking Ahead
The Knicks' defensive identity, long anchored by Robinson's shot-blocking and rebounding prowess, faces a period of evolution. As Thibodeau and his coaching staff explore different rotations and schemes, the resilience and adaptability of the roster will be tested. The hope remains that Robinson’s return will restore stability and fortify the team for the latter half of the season.
Until then, the Knicks continue to weather the storm, drawing on the strengths of players like Sims and potentially Achiuwa, while occasionally employing unconventional lineups featuring Randle. Each game in Robinson’s absence is both a challenge and an opportunity for growth, as New York seeks to maintain its competitive edge in a highly dynamic league.