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Massive Knicks injury update is a game changer for the team’s limited depth

Massive Knicks injury update is a game changer for the team’s limited depth

The New York Knicks have made it for the fourth time of the season without their two defensive big men. Mitchell Robinson is still recovering from ankle surgery in May, while Precious Achiuwa strained his hamstring in pre-season.

The team’s defense isn’t what it was last season, but that was expected after the Knicks lost Isaiah Hartenstein and traded for Karl-Anthony Towns. The latter has taken New York’s offense to the next level, and while his defense has improved, he is also one of the reasons why the Knicks have one of the worst defenses in the league. KAT is not a rim protector.

The Knicks have been heavily criticized for their defense in recent months, but as mentioned, they are without Robinson and Achiuwa. The former hopes to return by Christmas but has not yet been cleared for basketball activities. It is good that Achiuwa is expected to return before the end of the month. In fact, he could return before mid-December.

Achiuwa arrived in New York last December as part of the OG Anunoby trade. He went from overlooked to a role in the rotation. He came under fire as the Knicks’ injuries piled up. Achiuwa impressed the organization enough to re-sign a one-year, six million contract over the summer.

Unfortunately, he was hit by the injury this season. His return has taken longer than most fans suspected, but hamstring injuries are a problem. It’s not easy to get rid of it. If Achuwa returns within a week, he will be sidelined for almost two months.

It will take a few games for Achiuwa to get used to his fitness again, but he will provide a big boost from the bench. Jericho Sims has been the main backup center and his defense has improved drastically. Tom Thibodeau has played in an eight-man rotation in most of the Knicks’ games, so Achiuwa’s return doesn’t necessarily mean Sims will be removed from the rotation.

New York’s schedule for next week has not yet been finalized as it will depend on tonight’s NBA Cup games. If the Knicks advance past group play, Achiuwa may return for the knockout round. Either way, it’ll be nice to have him back in the lineup.