The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been a roller-coaster, heavily swayed by the highs and lows involving their pivotal center, Mitchell Robinson. Known for his commanding presence in the paint, Robinson started the season as a true force to be reckoned with.
For the first six weeks, Robinson led the NBA in offensive rebounds, establishing himself as a premier lob threat and an exceptional rim protector. However, his shot-blocking abilities, once a hallmark of his game, had noticeably declined compared to earlier seasons. Despite this, Robinson's influence on both ends of the floor was undeniable.
Injury Setbacks
The narrative took a sharp turn when Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. The injury required surgery and sidelined him for over three months, a significant blow to the Knicks' aspirations. Just as the team and fans were hopeful for his return, Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating another surgery. The timeline for his comeback now stretches into December or January.
Impact of Free Agency
Compounding the team's challenges, the Knicks lost center Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein had admirably filled in for Robinson following his initial injury, excelling in drop coverage and showcasing solid paint defense. His departure left a void that the Knicks had to address quickly.
Thibodeau’s Tactical Adjustments
Head Coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his defensive philosophy centered around minimizing rotations and maintaining a stationary presence for his big men around the basket, has historically avoided centerless lineups. With Robinson out, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. Sims, while shorter than Robinson, brought a different energy to the game. Known for generating additional possessions and setting strong offensive screens, Sims struggled to effectively defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage.
Another avenue for Thibodeau is utilizing Precious Achiuwa, standing at 6-foot-8 and noted for his agility. Achiuwa's ability to guard in the pick-and-roll and cover significant ground during rotations makes him a versatile option in Thibodeau’s defensive schemes.
Exploring New Options
In light of these challenges, Thibodeau is considering some unorthodox 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."
This willingness to experiment underscores the Knicks' need to adapt and find new ways to maintain their competitiveness. The potential of Randle playing at the center position for short durations could open up various offensive opportunities while also allowing the team to conserve their traditional big men for critical moments.
As the season progresses, the Knicks will need to navigate these personnel challenges and tactical shifts. Robinson's eventual return could reinstate the defensive solidity they initially built their season around, but until then, Thibodeau’s ability to innovate and adapt will be crucial. With a mixture of young talent and strategic adjustments, the Knicks aim to stay resilient and competitive in an ever-demanding NBA landscape.
The story of their season, pivoting around Robinson’s health and the supporting cast’s ability to step up, continues to unfold with each game. Knick fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this chapter plays out.