Mitchell Robinson: The Heart of the Knicks' Season
The New York Knicks' 2023-24 season began with a commanding presence in the paint, largely due to the standout performances of their center, Mitchell Robinson. For the first six weeks, Robinson was a dominating force, showcasing his prowess on both ends of the court. Leading the NBA in offensive rebounds, he established himself as a premier lob threat and rim protector. However, his shot-blocking ability seemed to have waned compared to previous seasons.
Robinson's impact was abruptly halted by a stress fracture in his left ankle, necessitating surgery and sidelining him for over three months. Just as the Knicks began to strategize without their key player, his return couldn't come fast enough, but tragedy struck again during the playoffs when Robinson re-injured the same ankle, requiring yet another surgery. The timeline for his comeback is tentatively set for December or January, leaving the Knicks in a precarious position as they look to navigate his absence.
Hartenstein Steps In, Then Moves On
In the interim, Isaiah Hartenstein stepped in adeptly for Robinson, seamlessly filling the void left by his initial injury. Hartenstein excelled in drop coverage and as a paint defender, aligning well with head coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive philosophy. Thibodeau, who has spent the past four seasons minimizing rotations and keeping his big men around the basket, found a reliable alternative in Hartenstein. However, the Knicks’ fortune changed during free agency, when Hartenstein signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This departure forced Thibodeau to rethink his strategy. Historically averse to centerless lineups in New York, Thibodeau leaned on Jericho Sims following Robinson’s injury last December. Sims brought his own attributes to the table—an energetic and bouncy playing style, a knack for generating additional possessions, and setting robust offensive screens. However, one area where he struggled was defending pick-and-rolls in drop coverage, a critical component of Thibodeau’s defensive schemes.
The Role of Achiuwa and Upcoming Adjustments
Another potential piece to the puzzle is Precious Achiuwa. Standing at 6-foot-8, Achiuwa is known for his agility and ability to guard pick-and-rolls and cover significant ground during rotations. While not a direct replacement for Robinson or Hartenstein, Achiuwa's versatility offers Thibodeau some tactical flexibility.
The head coach has hinted at other adjustments to mitigate the impact of Robinson's absence. “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.” This potential shift underscores Thibodeau's willingness to experiment while staying true to his defensive principles.
Thibodeau’s Dilemma: Balancing Tradition and Adaptation
Thibodeau's challenge this season is uniquely complex. On one hand, staying committed to his defensive philosophy necessitates having a robust presence around the basket. On the other hand, the dynamics without Robinson and Hartenstein demand adaptive strategies. Historically, Thibodeau has shown a preference for traditional lineups, shying away from playing smaller or more unconventional setups, yet these circumstances might force his hand.
As the Knicks navigate these hurdles, the anticipation of Robinson’s return looms large over the team’s strategy and morale. His return could re-anchor the defense and restore balance to a team that has had to adapt on the fly. In the meantime, each game is an opportunity for Sims, Achiuwa, and even Randle to make their mark and adjust to their evolving roles.
While the road to Robinson's recovery is fraught with challenges, the Knicks have no choice but to persevere. The resilience of the team's supporting cast, combined with Thibodeau's tactical adjustments, will be crucial in weathering this storm and vying for a successful season. As Robinson works towards a December or January comeback, the spotlight remains on how well the Knicks can maintain their defensive integrity and offensive rhythm in his absence.