The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season narrative has been significantly shaped by the dominant performances and subsequent injury setbacks of center Mitchell Robinson. Emerging as a linchpin in both offense and defense during the first six weeks, Robinson's presence was felt all across the court, leading the NBA in offensive rebounds and establishing himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector.
However, the tides turned dramatically when Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. This injury proved to be a substantial blow to the Knicks' ambitions. The fracture required surgery, sidelining Robinson for over three months. Just as the team was bracing for his eventual comeback, disaster struck again when he re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating another surgery. The expectation now is for Robinson to return around December or January, a timeline filled with uncertainty and hope for his full recovery.
With Robinson out, the Knicks faced a major void in their roster. Center Isaiah Hartenstein had initially stepped up admirably, filling in after Robinson’s initial injury. Excelling in drop coverage and as a paint defender, Hartenstein kept the Knicks' defense intact. However, the team suffered another setback when Hartenstein left for the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. This left the Knicks with a significant gap in the center position, compelling head coach Tom Thibodeau to adapt his defensive strategies.
Thibodeau's Defensive Philosophy
Thibodeau’s defensive philosophy over the past four seasons has been clear: minimize rotations and keep big men anchored around the basket. This approach hinges on having reliable centers who can guard the paint effectively. With Robinson and Hartenstein both unavailable, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center. Despite being shorter than Robinson, Sims brought an energetic, bouncy playing style, generating additional possessions and setting robust offensive screens.
Yet, Sims’ performance in drop coverage during pick-and-roll situations was a mixed bag. Unlike Robinson, Sims sometimes struggled to effectively defend against such plays, leaving gaps in the defense. To counter this, Thibodeau considered various options, including exploring the versatility within the team's roster. "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.”
Emergence of Precious Achiuwa
One player who emerged as a potential defensive asset is Precious Achiuwa. Standing at 6-foot-8, Achiuwa is lauded for his agility and ability to guard in pick-and-roll scenarios, covering significant ground during rotations. His defensive prowess offered a different dynamic compared to the traditional big men typically relied upon by Thibodeau.
Looking Forward
As the Knicks navigate through these challenging circumstances, the resilience and adaptability of the team are on full display. The injuries to Robinson and departure of Hartenstein have indeed been significant hurdles. However, the roster's depth and versatility, combined with Thibodeau's strategic adjustments, offer a glimmer of hope for the remainder of the season. The arduous journey to fill the void left by the injured Robinson continues, but in players like Sims and Achiuwa, the Knicks might have found temporary solutions.
The upcoming months are crucial as the Knicks aim to stay competitive in the fiercely contested NBA landscape. The return of a healthy Mitchell Robinson could be the catalyst that propels the team towards a stronger finish. Until then, Thibodeau and his squad must leverage every ounce of resilience and tactical ingenuity to navigate through this phase.