The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has seen its fair share of ups and downs, with much of the team's fortunes tied to the contributions and injuries of center Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks, Robinson was a powerhouse on both ends of the floor, making a significant impact in the paint.
Robinson's prowess under the basket was undeniable. He led the NBA in offensive rebounds and quickly established himself as one of the league's premier lob threats and rim protectors. However, despite his dominant presence, Robinson's shot-blocking ability had shown signs of decline compared to his earlier seasons, which added a layer of complexity to his overall performance.
The Knicks' aspirations took a hit when Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. This injury necessitated surgery and sidelined him for over three months. Just as the Knicks began to adjust to his absence, the playoffs dealt another blow. Robinson re-injured the same ankle, requiring yet another surgery. His return is tentatively expected around December or January.
Hartenstein's Role and Departure
In the wake of Robinson's initial injury, Isaiah Hartenstein stepped up admirably. Hartenstein seamlessly filled the void, excelling in drop coverage and providing solid defense in the paint. However, Hartenstein's tenure with the Knicks was short-lived; he departed for the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. His departure left the Knicks with a significant gap to fill in their defensive roster.
Thibodeau's Defensive Strategies
Head Coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive philosophy over the past four seasons has focused on minimizing rotations and keeping big men close to the basket. Thibodeau has historically avoided centerless lineups, preferring to rely on traditional big men to anchor his defense. When Robinson was first sidelined, Thibodeau turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center.
Sims, though shorter than Robinson, brought an energetic and bouncy playing style to the court. Known for generating additional possessions and setting effective offensive screens, Sims provided a spark. However, he struggled to defend pick-and-rolls in drop coverage, which exposed some vulnerabilities in the Knicks' defensive schemes.
The Introduction of Achiuwa
To address these defensive lapses, Thibodeau and the Knicks introduced Precious Achiuwa into the mix. Standing at 6-foot-8, Achiuwa is noted for his agility and his ability to guard in pick-and-roll situations, covering a significant amount of ground during rotations. His presence brought a different defensive dimension to the team, offering versatility that the Knicks desperately needed.
Despite the adjustments, Thibodeau remains cautious about over-relying on small-ball 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."
As the Knicks navigate these challenges, Thibodeau's strategic adjustments and the emergence of players like Sims and Achiuwa will be critical. The expected return of Robinson later in the season could provide a much-needed boost, but until then, the Knicks must rely on their depth and adaptability to stay competitive in a demanding league.
In a season marked by highs and lows, the resilience and adaptability of the Knicks will be tested. The absence of Robinson, the transition of Hartenstein, and the incorporation of new strategies all play into a broader narrative of a team striving to find its footing amidst adversity. The Knicks' journey continues, with every game a testament to their evolving dynamics.