The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been a tumultuous journey, marked predominantly by the influence and subsequent injury of their formidable center, Mitchell Robinson. This rollercoaster began with Robinson asserting dominance on both ends of the court during the first six weeks of the season, only to be derailed by significant injury woes.
Robinson's Impressive Start
Robinson's impressive early-season performance established him as an essential player for the Knicks. His prowess in the paint was evident as he led the NBA in offensive rebounds, showcasing his exceptional ability to generate second-chance opportunities. Not only was Robinson a premier lob threat, but he also cemented his status as a defensive anchor, primarily through his rim protection skills. However, despite his defensive acclaim, there was a noted decline in his shot-blocking compared to previous seasons.
The Injury Setbacks
The Knicks' season took a sharp turn when Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle, necessitating surgery and sidelining him for over three months. This setback was significant, given Robinson's critical role. His return to the court was anticipated but met with further disappointment as he re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, leading to yet another surgery. Robinson’s expected comeback is projected for December or January, casting a long shadow over the Knicks' immediate future.
Adapting Without Robinson
The initial injury to Robinson ushered in a period of adaptation for the Knicks. With Isaiah Hartenstein stepping up as Robinson's replacement, the team found solace in his solid performances. Hartenstein excelled in drop coverage and as a paint defender, effectively filling the void left by Robinson. However, the stability Hartenstein provided was short-lived as he departed to join the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency.
Sims and Achiuwa: Filling the Gap
In the wake of Robinson's prolonged absence and Hartenstein’s departure, head coach Tom Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. Although shorter than Robinson, Sims' height advantage over Precious Achiuwa provided a semblance of optimism. An energetic and bouncy player, Sims exhibited strengths in generating additional possessions and setting robust offensive screens. However, his struggle to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage exposed a significant defensive vulnerability.
Thibodeau also considered the versatility of Precious Achiuwa, who, standing at 6-foot-8, is renowned for his agility. Achiuwa brings a different dynamic to the Knicks' defense with his ability to guard pick-and-rolls and cover extensive ground during rotations, a crucial attribute in Thibodeau's defensive schemes.
Thibodeau's Strategic Adjustments
Thibodeau's defensive philosophy over the past four seasons has emphasized minimizing rotations and maintaining discipline around the basket. Historically, he has resisted deploying centerless lineups, favoring traditional big men to anchor the defense. However, given the current circumstances, Thibodeau has expressed a willingness to experiment with different strategies to leverage the team's versatility.
"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 Road Ahead
The Knicks' journey through the 2023-24 season has been heavily dictated by the health and availability of their key players. As they navigate the challenges posed by Robinson's injury and Hartenstein's departure, strategic adjustments and the emergence of players like Sims and Achiuwa will be critical.
As the team adapts and innovates, the expectation is that Robinson’s eventual return will reinvigorate the Knicks' lineup. Until then, the Knicks will rely on a combination of tactical ingenuity and player development to maintain their competitive edge.