The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season has been a rollercoaster, marked by the brilliance and subsequent injury setbacks of center Mitchell Robinson. For the initial six weeks, Robinson emerged as a dominant force on both ends of the court. His presence was most felt in the paint, where he led the NBA in offensive rebounds, established himself as a premier lob threat, and provided formidable rim protection. However, his ability to block shots seemed to have waned compared to his earlier seasons.
Robinson's meteoric performance came to a halt when he suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle. The injury necessitated surgery and led to an absence that lasted over three months, a significant blow to the Knicks' campaign. The setback didn't end there as Robinson re-injured the same ankle during the playoffs, requiring yet another surgery. The expected timeline for his return hovers around December or January, leaving the Knicks to navigate without their star center for a substantial part of the season.
The Domino Effect
Robinson's absence created a vacuum that Isaiah Hartenstein filled admirably. The Knicks had acquired Hartenstein, who subsequently left for the Oklahoma City Thunder during free agency. Hartenstein's role became pivotal after Robinson's initial injury, where he excelled in drop coverage and painted defense, aligning well with Coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive philosophy. Thibodeau has always emphasized minimizing rotations and keeping big men around the basket, making Hartenstein's performance even more crucial.
With Hartenstein moving on, the responsibility fell on Jericho Sims to take on the starting center position following Robinson's stress fracture last December. Sims, though shorter than Robinson but taller than Precious Achiuwa, brought a different energy to the role. Known for his bouncy playing style, Sims generated additional possessions and set robust offensive screens. However, he struggled to defend pick-and-rolls effectively in drop coverage, an area where the Knicks had previously been strong.
Adjusting Strategies
Thibodeau's approach has generally avoided centerless lineups, opting instead for traditional big men. But with the recurring injuries and roster changes, he hinted at exploring new strategies. "We'll look at some different things because we have versatility. We could see Julius [Randle] more at the 5," Thibodeau mentioned. "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 flexibility could offer the Knicks some tactical advantages, albeit with measured usage to prevent overburdening Randle.
Other Key Players
Meanwhile, Precious Achiuwa, standing at 6-foot-8, provides agility and defensive versatility, particularly effective in guarding pick-and-rolls and covering significant ground during rotations. As the team juggles its roster and adapts to its evolving circumstances, Achiuwa's skill set exemplifies the type of player who can potentially fill the nuanced gaps left by the injured Robinson and departed Hartenstein.
The Knicks' 2023-24 season narrative, therefore, has been shaped profoundly by the fluctuating availability of its centers. Mitchell Robinson's dominant start and subsequent injuries, along with the seamless yet now-absent contribution of Isaiah Hartenstein, have forced the Knicks to adapt continuously. As the season progresses, the onus will be on players like Jericho Sims, Precious Achiuwa, and even Julius Randle to fill the formidable shoes left by Robinson. The coming months will reveal whether these adjustments can sustain the competitive spirit that the Knicks have aimed to uphold under Thibodeau's leadership.