The 2023-24 season for the New York Knicks has been notably impacted by the performance and health of center Mitchell Robinson. Robinson's presence on the court has been a game-changer, particularly in the first six weeks, where he dominated both offensive and defensive play.
Robinson's Dominance and Injury
During his peak early in the season, Robinson led the NBA in offensive rebounds, solidifying his reputation as a premier lob threat and rim protector. However, despite his prowess in the paint, there were signs that his shot-blocking ability had diminished compared to earlier seasons.
Trouble struck when Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle, a setback that required surgery and resulted in an absence of over three months. This injury significantly hampered the Knicks' season, and further complications arose when Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating another surgery. The latest projections suggest that Robinson will make his comeback in December or January.
Replacing Robinson: Hartenstein and Sims Step Up
The Knicks were also dealt a blow when Isaiah Hartenstein left for the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein had seamlessly filled the void left by Robinson post-injury, excelling in drop coverage and defending the paint. His departure left a defensive gap that Coach Tom Thibodeau needed to address urgently.
To compensate, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center following Robinson's initial stress fracture. While Sims brought energy and a knack for generating additional possessions, his struggles in defending pick-and-rolls in drop coverage became apparent. As a shorter option than Robinson but taller than Precious Achiuwa, Sims faced challenges, yet his bouncy playing style and ability to set strong offensive screens were significant assets.
The Thibodeau Strategy
Across the past four seasons, Thibodeau's defensive strategy has emphasized minimizing rotations and keeping big men around the basket. Historically, he has avoided centerless lineups, relying on traditional big men to anchor his defense. However, the current roster dynamics and injury woes have prompted Thibodeau to contemplate new strategies.
With the versatility on the current roster, including the possibility of Julius Randle playing at the 5, Thibodeau suggested some shifts in the lineup could occur. "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."
The Future Outlook
As the Knicks navigate the remainder of the season without Robinson, the contributions of Sims and the adaptability of players like Randle will be critical. Thibodeau's ability to adjust and find the optimal balance in his lineup could determine the Knicks' success moving forward. The team and its fans eagerly await Robinson's return, but until then, adaptive strategies and the stepping up of key players will be essential in filling the void.