Isaiah Hartenstein has been more productive since shaking off the effects of an Achilles injury, writes Zach Braziller of The New York Post. The Knicks’ backup center is averaging 6.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks during his past 12 games and is helping the team survive while Mitchell Robinson is sidelined with a broken thumb.
“I feel like I can do the role that I need to do here a lot better with how good my Achilles is now feeling,” Hartenstein said. “… My main thing was helping the team win. Now it’s coming back where I’m doing the little stuff to help the team win.”
Hartenstein and Jericho Sims have been handling center duties since Robinson was injured on January 18. New York has gone 8-6 without its starting center, who is expected to return after the All-Star break, according to Braziller.
“Anytime someone goes out, and you hate to see anybody be injured, it’s an opportunity for someone else to step in and grow,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “I think Jericho getting into that role has really been helpful for him and for us. I said this earlier, I love the depth we have at that position. … I don’t want to overlook the contributions Isaiah’s made. Isaiah has found a really good rhythm. He’s playing really well on both sides of the ball. So we’re getting really good production out of that position.”
There’s more from New York:
- Quentin Grimes has remained in the starting lineup since the addition of Josh Hart, but his playing time has been reduced, Braziller notes in a separate story. Instead of being upset, Grimes is determined to learn from his new teammate. “He’s definitely a guy you watch out there, see how hard he plays,” Grimes said. “Just go out there and try to match it, because he’s definitely going to make winning plays on and off the ball.”
- Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News examines how Jalen Brunson‘s father, Knicks assistant Rick Brunson, taught him from a young age to shoot with his left hand. Jalen is naturally right-handed, so he’s comfortable attacking defenses from either direction. “There’s not a lot of lefties,” he said. “So I guess everything is the opposite for defenders. I just think it’s a little unorthodox.”
- Julius Randle has been selected to replace Anfernee Simons in this weekend’s three-point contest, the NBA announced (via Twitter). The Trail Blazers guard suffered a sprained right ankle Tuesday night.
#StopSnubbingBrunson
Seriously, Randle shouldn’t have gotten the AS nod over Brunson, and having him replace Simons instead of Brunson is just rude. Brunson is shooting .411 on threes fcol!
Agreed, Randle in the 3pt contest is injustice.
It’s wrong on every level.
I guess they chose someone among the players who were already taking part in the AS weekend.
I just wanna ask one question:
Where’d all those people clowning the Knicks for paying Brunson go? Nearly every poster on here this off-season tore the Knicks, and Jalen, apart once that move was finalized and now that it’s not only looking like a great move, but an absolute steal and underpayment, y’all are nowhere to be found.
Getting a little ahead of yourself, sport. The hate this off-season was for all the moves the Knicks didn’t make. But feel free to pound your chest after a full season if the Knicks win something. Until then, pipe down and go get your shine box.
Actually, almost none of the hate with respect to Brunson’s signing was about the other moves they should have made. It’s a smattering of tampering allegations (which were correct), some calling it an overpay (with a lot of upvotes), and some calling it a reasonable deal:
link to hoopsrumors.com
Love the flashbacks rct
Some nice dry humor from x % , Al lost , arc lebron hating per usual in a non isolated article , this one had all the hits
I can’t really remember ppl criticizing the Brunson signing. RJ still sucks though
The board was very receptive to JB being brought on
I don’t really recall that much hate and I certainly didn’t hate it. I thought it made complete sense. They needed a leader on offence, they needed a PG and Brunson is a NY guy.
However Randle resigning looked like a bargain after his all nba year then last year all you Knick fans were saying how desperate you are to trade him and how terrible his deal is. This year he’s bounced back and is an all star.
Yall need to stop overhyping and over criticising these dudes man. It’s why KP ended up leaving too. What if Brunson regresses next year to like 16-6-3, y’all going to be on here saying how you need to trade him and that deal is terrible.
Just be happy for what you have. Brunson Randle that’s solid, Grimes is nice, the Josh Hart trade was good and hopefully Mitchell Robinson return strong. Y’all need to get off RJs back, y’all should’ve traded DRose and stop mistreating Fouriner.
Every u said about Knick fans is spot on but make no mistake RJ Barrett stinks and he will be traded when it’s time to go Big Fish Hunting when it comes to a trade for another All Star being we have two guys playing at a All Star level in Randall and Brunson. And Fournier contract was a over pay by all means being this guy can’t guard my grandma who walks with a Walker.
Hahaha yeah tbh I’m not the biggest fan of RJ. However I do think he would be better used as a SG than a SF. But yeah he’s just a little overrated, maybe on another team he would be better but I just don’t see too much in him.
I think your right the Knicks will continue to go big name shopping but they should prioritise adding some defence. Brunson and Randle can handle the bulk of the offence, I think Grimes can grow into a bigger role at that end too but they need to add a solid defender.
In the offseason I’d try go back to the Raptors and offer them RJ plus picks for OG.
Brunson Grimes OG Randle Robinson that’s a very solid team. I think it makes some sense for Toronto too. Scottie can stay at SF and Siakim at PF, Barrett comes in at SG to replace GTJ and then you can afford to bring back FVV. RJ being from Canada has appeal, plus they’d probably get 2 first round picks with him for OG. Thats a decent return and cost effective.
If the clippers fail miserably in the playoffs and decide to rebuild then I’d offer RJ, Fouriner and 3 first for PG13. He’d be a huge addition if that becomes a possibility.
The last option might be just as far fetched but I’d even trade RJ for Harrison Barnes and a first round pick. Barnes is a solid defender and can chip in on offence plus getting back a pick and saving money could be a good move in the long run
Fournier should be in 3PT contest……
Where’s the Hawk Homer ….. Hiding again
I don’t blame you after that (122-101) spanking. Woo Hoo
Good job using your Phonics tapes, Albert
Best thing about Brunson. Is he’s better than advertised. Especially in character and ball IQ. Things we really needed. Especially in a PG. He was a FA so we didn’t give up anything. So he’s a win win in every way. Sometimes you just hit it big.
Hart is a great move. But he’s a rotation guy. I still see Knicks going after major talent next yr.
And I’m still not a Randle guy. But I don’t see the Knicks moving him now. Means Obi1 is probably on his way out.
Hart being Jalen’s college teammate. Makes it that much better. Great move.
Knicks are 33-27 ….. hate on that
Sorry if it’s annoying to add onto your comment.
But just to run with the idea of Obi1 leaving and attempting to trade him and shape the roster in the offseason.
I’d start by bringing back Josh Hart. Think Hart suits Thibs ball and he’s a great fit as that do it all sixth man. Think Josh himself would be happy to stay in NY and with his mate Jalen Brunson.
Me personally I’d go all out this offseason.
RJ Barrett, 2 first round picks and 2 second round picks for OG Anunoby.
Then Evan Fouriner and Obi Toppin for Doug McDermott, Kareem Birch and second round pick.
Leaving you next season to look something like
Brunson Grimes OG Randle Robinson
IQ Hart McDermott Hartenstein
McBride Keels Sims
Think that’s a very solid starting 5 and off the bench you have 4 good impact players. McDermott adds some floor spacing. Could invest more in FA, I’d add a back up PF (Winslow, JaMychal Green,) and that teams set for the next few years.