Mitchell Robinson's Impact and Injuries Leave the Knicks Searching for Answers
The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season narrative has been deeply influenced by the standout performances and subsequent injury setbacks of their center, Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks, Robinson dominated both ends of the floor, making his presence felt as a force in the paint.
Robinson led the NBA in offensive rebounds, solidifying his reputation as a premier lob threat and rim protector. However, while his knack for blocking shots had waned compared to previous seasons, he continued to be a cornerstone of the Knicks' defensive strategy. Unfortunately, a stress fracture in his left ankle necessitated surgery and sidelined him for over three months.
The injury woes didn’t end there. During the playoffs, Robinson re-injured the same ankle, requiring another surgery. His expected return is projected for December or January, leaving the Knicks with significant gaps to fill in their lineup.
Adjusting to a Robinson-less Lineup
In Robinson's absence, Isaiah Hartenstein initially filled the void seamlessly. Hartenstein, who excelled in drop coverage and paint defense, became an integral part of the Knicks' rotation. However, his departure to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency presented a new challenge for head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Under Thibodeau's defensive philosophy, which emphasizes minimizing rotations and keeping big men around the basket, the Knicks have historically relied on traditional centers. Thibodeau has consistently avoided centerless lineups, preferring to anchor his defense with established big men. This season, Jericho Sims has been thrust into the starting center role following Robinson's initial injury last December.
The Sims and Achiuwa Dynamic
Sims brings a unique skill set to the table. Despite his height being in between Robinson and Precious Achiuwa, he possesses an energetic, bouncy playing style. Sims has shown a knack for generating additional possessions and setting robust offensive screens. However, he has faced challenges in defending pick-and-rolls in drop coverage, an area that remains crucial for the Knicks' defensive scheme.
Meanwhile, Precious Achiuwa, standing at 6-foot-8, offers a different dimension with his agility. Achiuwa’s ability to guard pick-and-rolls and cover substantial ground during rotations provides a versatile defensive option for the Knicks.
Thibodeau's Strategy and Versatility
Understanding the current predicament, Thibodeau has shown a willingness to experiment with different lineups. "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."
Adjusting lineups and leveraging the versatility of players like Randle could provide the Knicks with the flexibility needed to navigate through Robinson’s absence. However, balancing the physical toll on players and maintaining defensive integrity will be critical.
As the Knicks look forward to Robinson's expected return in December or January, the interim period will be a test of their depth and adaptability. With a roster in flux, Thibodeau's tactical adjustments and the performances of Sims and Achiuwa will play a pivotal role in the team's fortunes. The Knicks' ability to stay competitive during this phase might well define their season and set the stage for a potential resurgence upon Robinson's comeback.