The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has seen significant influence from the extraordinary performances and unfortunate injury setbacks of their center, Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks of the season, Robinson was a dominant force in the paint, showcasing his skills on both ends of the floor. His prowess on the offensive glass was unmatched, leading the NBA in offensive rebounds and establishing himself as one of the premier lob threats and rim protectors in the league.
Despite his offensive rebounding and lob-catching abilities, Robinson's shot-blocking, a signature aspect of his game, had shown a slight decline compared to his earlier seasons. The Knicks, however, still heavily relied on his presence under the basket to anchor their defense.
A Season Derailed by Injuries
Robinson's momentum was abruptly halted when he suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. This injury required surgery and led to an absence from the court for over three months. Just as he seemed to be on his way to full recovery, Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating yet another surgery. The Knicks are hopeful that he will make his comeback by December or January.
The team faced further challenges when they lost another key big man, Isaiah Hartenstein, to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein had admirably filled in for Robinson after his initial injury, excelling particularly in drop coverage and paint defense.
Thibodeau's Defensive Strategy in Action
Under head coach Tom Thibodeau's system, the Knicks have prided themselves on a defensive philosophy that focuses on minimizing rotations and keeping big men close to the basket. Thibodeau has historically been hesitant to deploy centerless lineups, preferring traditional big men to anchor the defense.
In Robinson's absence, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. Although Sims, shorter than Robinson but taller than forward Precious Achiuwa, brought energy and a knack for generating additional possessions, he struggled to defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage effectively.
Exploring Versatility
Sensing the need for adaptability, Thibodeau acknowledged the potential for experimenting 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."
This openness to utilizing Julius Randle at the center for short periods offers a glimpse into Thibodeau's willingness to adapt. It also highlights the challenging balance the Knicks seek between maintaining a solid defensive structure and generating offensive opportunities.
The Role of Achiuwa
The presence of Precious Achiuwa, standing at 6-foot-8 and known for his agility, adds another layer to the Knicks' defensive toolkit. Achiuwa's ability to guard in the pick-and-roll and cover substantial ground during rotations makes him a valuable asset in Thibodeau's scheme. While Sims exhibits a more dynamic, high-energy playing style focused on offensive screens and possession generation, Achiuwa complements this with his defensive versatility.
As the Knicks navigate the uncertainties of Robinson's recovery timeline and the adjustments necessitated by Hartenstein's departure, the team finds itself in a period of strategic exploration and adaptation. The upcoming months will likely test the Knicks' resilience and flexibility, as they strive to remain competitive in a demanding Eastern Conference landscape.
The potential integration of different lineup options signifies a shift towards a more fluid, versatile approach. With the anticipated return of Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks could again anchor their defense robustly, but until then, the combination of Sims, Achiuwa, and a flexible use of Randle at center will be critical in maintaining their defensive identity.