As the New York Knicks navigate their 2023-24 season, one narrative looms large: the dominance and subsequent injury woes of center Mitchell Robinson. The center's contributions were pivotal in the early weeks, only for his absence to leave a gaping hole in the Knicks' lineup.
Mitchell Robinson's Impact
For the first six weeks, Robinson was a commanding presence in the paint. He not only led the NBA in offensive rebounds but also carved out a reputation as a premier lob threat and rim protector. Although his shot-blocking prowess had seen a dip compared to earlier seasons, Robinson was still the defensive anchor for coach Tom Thibodeau's squad.
Unfortunately, a stress fracture in Robinson's left ankle required surgery, sidelining him for over three months. The Knicks felt his absence acutely, especially given their reliance on traditional big men to anchor the paint in Thibodeau's defensive schemes.
Injury Aftermath
After successfully returning post-surgery, Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, necessitating another surgery. This setback has pegged his comeback to December or January, leaving the Knicks to explore alternative solutions in the meantime.
Isaiah Hartenstein's Role
Compounding their challenges, the Knicks lost center Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein had adeptly filled in for Robinson after his initial injury, excelling in drop coverage and as a paint defender. His seamless transition into the role provided much-needed stability and highlighted his defensive capabilities.
Alternative Options for Thibodeau
Thibodeau has preferred to keep big men close to the basket, avoiding centerless lineups. When Robinson first went down, the coach turned to Jericho Sims. Although Sims brings an energetic and bouncy style, generating extra possessions and setting robust offensive screens, he has struggled in defending pick-and-rolls in drop coverage.
Sims' physical profile—shorter than Robinson yet taller than Precious Achiuwa—adds another layer to the Knicks' complex center situation. While Sims grapples with certain defensive dynamics, Achiuwa offers agility and the ability to guard pick-and-rolls effectively, covering significant ground during rotations.
Thibodeau's View on Versatility
Facing these challenges, Thibodeau acknowledged the need to explore different configurations: "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's potential role as a center, albeit for short spurts, reflects the adaptive strategies the Knicks may deploy as they await Robinson's return. Randle could capitalize on offensive mismatches, adding a dynamic element to their gameplay.
Looking Ahead
As the Knicks chart their course through this season, the blend of reliance on traditional big men and the exploration of versatile setups will be key. Robinson's journey back to the court, Sims' defensive improvement, and the strategic utilization of players like Randle and Achiuwa will collectively shape the team's trajectory.
With Robinson's anticipated return, the Knicks hope to regain their defensive backbone and build on the promising performances that marked the early season. Until then, Thibodeau's adjustments and the squad's resilience will be put to the test in navigating the obstacles ahead.