The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has seen significant ups and downs, primarily revolving around the performance and challenges faced by their cornerstone center, Mitchell Robinson. Robinson's initial six weeks this season were nothing short of dominant, as he solidified his stature on both ends of the court.
Robinson's Early Dominance
Robinson's prowess was particularly evident in offensive rebounds, where he led the NBA, positioning himself as a premier lob threat and a formidable rim protector. His ability to intimidate opponents with his shot-blocking, although somewhat diminished compared to earlier seasons, still made him an essential team player.
However, Robinson's season was abruptly derailed by a stress fracture in his left ankle, a severe injury that necessitated surgery and sidelined him for over three months. This injury significantly impacted the Knicks, leaving a void in their defensive strategy and offensive consistency.
Challenges and Setbacks
The Knicks faced another blow when Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, requiring another surgical procedure. The team now hopes for his return around December or January, a timeline that, while optimistic, adds considerable pressure for the Knicks to maintain competitive form in his absence.
During Robinson's initial recovery period, Isaiah Hartenstein filled the gap admirably, stepping up as a reliable center. Hartenstein's ability to excel in drop coverage and paint defense offered stability. Unfortunately, Hartenstein's tenure with the Knicks ended when he joined the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency, once again leaving the Knicks in a precarious position.
Thibodeau's Strategies and Alternatives
Head coach Tom Thibodeau, renowned for his defensive strategies and preference for traditional big men around the basket, found himself in a dilemma. Historically averse to centerless lineups, Thibodeau nonetheless adjusted by employing Jericho Sims as the starting center following Robinson’s initial injury. Sims' energetic style and strong offensive screening provided some relief, yet his struggles in defending pick-and-rolls in drop coverage exposed glaring defensive gaps.
Adding another layer of complexity to the Knicks' situation is the versatility offered by Precious Achiuwa. Standing at 6-foot-8, Achiuwa's agility allows him to guard pick-and-roll scenarios effectively and cover considerable ground during defensive rotations. This versatility could potentially complement Thibodeau's defensive schemes, albeit requiring a departure from his preferred setup.
Exploring Small-Ball Lineups
Thibodeau has hinted at exploring different configurations to navigate through these challenging times. "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 strategy underscores the coach's willingness to adapt, leveraging Randle's skill set to create mismatches and offensive opportunities.
As the Knicks wait for Robinson's return, the team will need to integrate various strategies to navigate the numerous challenges presented by their roster changes. Each game will test their adaptability and resilience, defining their trajectory in the highly competitive NBA landscape. The next few months will be a testament to Thibodeau’s coaching acumen and the squad's ability to rise above adversity.