The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has seen its ups and downs, largely revolving around the performance and health of their dynamic center, Mitchell Robinson. In the initial weeks of the season, Robinson established himself as a critical force on both sides of the court. Leading the NBA in offensive rebounds, he became an indispensable asset, thriving as a premier lob threat and rim protector.
However, the momentum was short-lived as Robinson's season took a dramatic turn due to injury woes. First, a stress fracture in his left ankle sidelined him for over three months, requiring surgery. Unfortunately, his troubles didn't end there; he re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, leading to another necessary surgical intervention. Now, the Knicks are eyeing a potential comeback for Robinson either in December or January, hoping he can return to form and bolster their ranks once again.
The Hartenstein Impact
Robinson's absence left a gap that Isaiah Hartenstein admirably filled. Seamlessly stepping into the void, Hartenstein excelled in drop coverage and stood firm as a paint defender. His presence proved instrumental in keeping the Knicks' defense sturdy amid Robinson’s absence. Still, Hartenstein's tenure with the Knicks was limited as he moved to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency.
Thibodeau's Strategic Adjustments
In the wake of Robinson's injury and Hartenstein's departure, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau faced the challenge of redefining his defensive setup. Known for his philosophy centered on minimizing rotations and anchoring big men around the basket, Thibodeau has consistently avoided centerless lineups. He first shifted to Jericho Sims as the starting center, recognizing Sims' height advantage over Precious Achiuwa and valuing his energetic playing style.
Though Sims has demonstrated his capability by generating additional possessions and setting solid offensive screens, he has struggled in defending pick-and-rolls effectively when in drop coverage. Addressing this challenge, Thibodeau considered alternative strategies that could maximize the versatility within the team.
"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."
The Role of Sims and Achiuwa
Sims, though shorter than Robinson, has impacted the court with his boundless energy. Yet, his struggles with defending in drop coverage have not gone unnoticed. On the other hand, Precious Achiuwa stands out with his agility and ability to cover substantial ground during rotations, particularly in pick-and-roll scenarios. At 6-foot-8, Achiuwa's defensive versatility offers Thibodeau a potentially valuable asset, especially when the Knicks aim to overcome the defensive limitations encountered with Sims.
Looking Ahead
As the Knicks navigate the ongoing season, the health and performance of their centers will play a crucial role in their success. Robinson's anticipated return could restore the team's defensive prowess, further enhanced by the lessons learned and the strategies developed during his absence. The Knicks’ ability to adapt, with players like Sims and Achiuwa stepping up, alongside Randle's potential minutes at center, reflects a dynamic approach aimed at overcoming the challenges posed by injuries and roster changes.
The New York Knicks are on a journey defined by resilience and adaptation, with their season's outcome hinging significantly on Robinson’s recovery and the tactical adjustments by Thibodeau. As they continue to refine their approach, they remain focused on maximizing their roster's versatility and strategic depth to navigate the ebbs and flows of a demanding season.