The New York Knicks are facing a significant challenge as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season without their starting center, Mitchell Robinson, who will be sidelined due to ankle surgery during the offseason. This development has raised concerns about the Knicks’ frontcourt depth and overall defensive capabilities. Robinson’s history of injuries – both from the past season and his latest surgery – highlights a critical vulnerability in New York’s roster, particularly in the center position where they now find themselves stretched thin.
Robinson played limited games last season, securing only 31 appearances due to persistent foot and ankle issues. His injury during the Knicks’ playoff run against the Philadelphia 76ers forced him to miss pivotal games against the Indiana Pacers, impacting the team’s performance at a crucial juncture. With his anticipated return not expected until December or January, the Knicks have to strategize how to handle the center position during his absence.
The situation becomes more complicated with the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein, who was instrumental as a primary starter last season. After signing a lucrative three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Knicks are left contemplating their strategy at the center position. While the team has re-signed Precious Achiuwa and retains Jericho Sims, these players may not be enough to adequately fill the gap left by Robinson.
Knicks’ head coach Tom Thibodeau has hinted at the possibility of using forward Julius Randle as a small-ball center. Traditionally, Thibodeau has favored a more conventional approach, emphasizing size and defensive integrity at the pivot. Shifting to a small-ball configuration would signify a noteworthy tactical change and could potentially expose the Knicks to vulnerabilities against bigger opponents.
The injury to Robinson arrives amid a transformative summer for the Knicks. The biggest surprise of the offseason was acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, marking the first trade between the two teams in 40 years. The addition of Bridges is seen as a significant upgrade, yet it alone will not resolve the issues stemming from Robinson’s injury. The franchise has also invested in their core, extending contracts for coach Thibodeau and standout guard Jalen Brunson, alongside re-signing forward OG Anunoby to a hefty five-year deal valued at $212.5 million.
As the Knicks gear up for a season with heightened expectations, the pressure will be on the remaining players to step up in Robinson’s absence. It will be pivotal for Thibodeau to devise a game plan that can adapt to the current roster’s limitations. The effectively handled transition could very well dictate the success of their season, cementing a crucial role for players like Achiuwa, Sims, and possibly Randle in bolstering both offense and defense until Robinson can return to the court. As the situation stands, the Knicks will need resilience and strategic innovations to maintain competitiveness during the early months of the season.