The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been a rollercoaster, largely impacted by the presence and absence of their star center, Mitchell Robinson. Known for his dominance in the paint, Robinson's performance in the first six weeks of the season had Knicks fans buzzing. He led the NBA in offensive rebounds and solidified his reputation as both a premier lob threat and a stalwart rim protector. However, his shot-blocking capabilities had seen a slight decline compared to his earlier seasons.
Robinson's Injuries and Their Impact
Unfortunately, the Knicks' hopes for a breakthrough suffered a significant setback when Robinson sustained a stress fracture in his left ankle. The injury required surgery and sidelined him for over three months. Just as he was aiming to make a strong return, Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating yet another surgery. The Knicks are now looking at a potential comeback for Robinson in December or January.
Thibodeau's Defensive Adjustments
In the face of Robinson's absence, head coach Tom Thibodeau had to make some crucial adjustments to his defensive strategy. Historically, Thibodeau favors minimizing rotations and keeping big men close to the basket. This approach has defined his defensive philosophy over the past four seasons, and he has generally shied away from centerless lineups, preferring traditional big men.
With Robinson out, the Knicks initially turned to Isaiah Hartenstein, who had shown his mettle as a capable replacement. Hartenstein excelled in drop coverage and served as a solid paint defender. However, the Knicks’ plans faced another hurdle when Hartenstein departed for the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency.
Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa: The New Faces in the Paint
Following Hartenstein's departure, Thibodeau relied on Jericho Sims to fill the void. Although Sims is shorter than Robinson, his energetic and bouncy playing style provided much-needed dynamism. Known for creating additional possessions and setting strong offensive screens, Sims proved valuable, although he struggled with defending pick-and-rolls in drop coverage.
Another option for Thibodeau is Precious Achiuwa, who at 6-foot-8, brings agility and versatility. Achiuwa is noted for his ability to guard in the pick-and-roll and cover significant ground during rotations, offering a different skill set compared to Sims.
Thibodeau himself has acknowledged the challenges and the need for versatility in his lineup. "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."
Looking Forward
As the Knicks navigate these challenges, the team’s resilience and adaptability will be under the spotlight. The absence of Robinson undeniably leaves a gap, but the opportunities for other players to step up could potentially lead to unexpected growth and development within the roster. How Thibodeau manages these changes, along with the contributions from Sims and Achiuwa, will be crucial in determining the course of the Knicks' season.