The New York Knicks Grapple with Mitchell Robinson's Absence
The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season started with high hopes fueled by the remarkable form of center Mitchell Robinson. Known for his dominant presence in the paint, Robinson's performances on both ends of the floor were a key factor in the Knicks' early success. For the first six weeks of the season, Robinson established himself as one of the premier players in the league, particularly in offensive rebounds, where he led the NBA. As a top-tier lob threat and rim protector, he had become indispensable to the Knicks' game plan.
However, injuries have cast a long shadow over Robinson's season. He suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle, which necessitated surgery and put him out of action for over three months. This setback was a significant blow to the Knicks, who had relied heavily on Robinson's contributions. Compounding the issue, Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, requiring another surgery. The Knicks now anticipate his return to the court in December or January, leaving them to navigate the rigors of the season without their star center.
The departure of Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency further complicated matters for New York. Hartenstein had seamlessly stepped up to fill Robinson's role after the initial injury, excelling in drop coverage and as a paint defender. His ability to adapt to coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive philosophy, which emphasizes minimizing rotations and keeping big men around the basket, made him a vital component of the team's strategy. Hartenstein's exit left a void that the Knicks have struggled to fill.
Thibodeau, known for his preference for traditional big men, has been forced to explore new options. He turned to Jericho Sims as the starting center following Robinson's injury last December. Although shorter than Robinson, Sims has an energetic, bouncy playing style that generates additional possessions and sets strong offensive screens. Nevertheless, Sims has found it challenging to defend pick-and-rolls effectively in drop coverage, exposing a vulnerability in the Knicks' defense.
Another potential answer lies in Precious Achiuwa, a 6-foot-8 player noted for his agility and ability to cover significant ground during rotations. Achiuwa's skills in guarding the pick-and-roll could provide the defensive stability the Knicks need in Robinson's absence. Thibodeau's flexibility and adaptability are likely to be tested as he searches for the right balance in the lineup.
In a recent statement, Thibodeau acknowledged the versatility within the team and hinted at the possibility of using Julius Randle more at the center position. "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."
Randle, typically a power forward, offers a unique set of offensive skills that could create mismatches for opponents when playing as a center. However, relying on Randle to step into this role for extended periods may not be sustainable over the long term due to the physical demands of the position.
The Knicks' adaptability will be crucial as they adjust their strategies to compensate for Robinson's absence. With the December or January timeline for Robinson's return, the team must find a way to maintain their defensive integrity and offensive fluidity without compromising player health.
As the season progresses, Thibodeau's decisions will be closely scrutinized. The ability to innovate while adhering to a defensive philosophy that has yielded success in the past is no small task. With key players stepping up to fill critical roles, the Knicks' resilience and tactical adjustments will determine their standing in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
The upcoming months will serve as a litmus test for the Knicks' depth and versatility. Managing the challenges of Robinson's absence, adjusting to Hartenstein's departure, and experimenting with player roles will be pivotal in sustaining the team's performance. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these adaptations will play a defining role in the Knicks' quest for success this season.