The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has encountered turbulent tides due to the invaluable contributions and subsequent misfortunes surrounding their dominant center, Mitchell Robinson. His early-season prowess had him towering over opponents, cementing his place as a pivotal figure on both ends of the floor before injuries besieged his campaign.
Robinson's Dominance and Setback
In the initial six weeks of the season, Robinson was a consistent force in the paint, standing out particularly for his offensive rebounding prowess. His efforts saw him leading the NBA in offensive rebounds while also doubling as a premier lob threat and formidable rim protector. Despite this, a noticeable decline in his shot-blocking effectiveness compared to previous seasons was observed.
The Knicks’ early hope was shaken when Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. The injury, severe in its nature, mandated surgery and sidelined him for over three crucial months. Just as the team and its supporters anticipated his return for the playoffs, the same ankle betrayed him once again, forcing him back under the knife for a second surgery. His anticipated return lands somewhere between December and January, intensifying the Knicks' need to adapt in his absence.
Hartenstein's Role and Departure
The vacuum left by Robinson’s injury was adeptly filled by center Isaiah Hartenstein, who seamlessly slipped into the role. Hartenstein’s ability to excel in drop coverage and as a paint defender provided the Knicks with a brief respite. However, their reliance on him was short-lived, as free agency saw Hartenstein making a move to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Thibodeau’s Tactical Adjustments
With Hartenstein gone and Robinson rehabbing, head coach Tom Thibodeau faced the challenge of restructuring his defense, which had largely thrived on a strategy that minimized rotations and kept big men around the basket for the past four seasons. Historically, Thibodeau has shown a reluctance to deviate from traditional lineups, often eschewing centerless setups in favor of reliable big men.
Thibodeau, however, found himself in a difficult predicament. The initial injury to Robinson last December led him to install Jericho Sims as the starting center. While Sims, shorter than Robinson but taller than Precious Achiuwa, brings an energetic and bouncy style to the game, he has had his struggles, particularly in defending pick-and-rolls in drop coverage. Known for generating additional possessions and setting robust offensive screens, Sims still presented some defensive challenges that Thibodeau had to address.
In light of these complications, the Knicks also turned to Achiuwa, a 6-foot-8 center noted for his agility. Achiuwa's strengths lie in his ability to guard effectively in pick-and-roll situations and cover substantial ground during defensive rotations. This versatility provides Thibodeau a tactical option, though it deviates from his tried-and-true defensive strategies.
Versatility on the Horizon
Amid these adjustments, Thibodeau hinted at employing more unconventional 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." This suggests a potential shift towards smaller, more versatile lineups, albeit for select short bursts, highlighting Randle's offensive capabilities.
The Knicks must navigate a fine line between maintaining defensive solidity and leveraging offensive versatility. The road ahead remains challenging, but with Robinson slated for a late-season comeback and a mix of adaptable tactics, Thibodeau and his squad will look to keep their campaign afloat amid the adversities.