It took some time for Isaiah Hartenstein to adjust to the style that coach Tom Thibodeau wants him to play, but the Knicks center now believes he’s in a “perfect situation,” writes James Herbert of CBS Sports.
Hartenstein thrived as a play-maker with the Clippers before signing with New York in the summer of 2022. But Thibodeau had other players to run the offense, and he wanted the big man to focus on protecting the rim, rebounding and setting screens. Hartenstein wasn’t certain the situation would work out, but he’s been more comfortable in his second season with the team, blending his passing skills with Thibodeau’s demands while replacing Mitchell Robinson as the starting center.
“Coming in, it took us some time to adjust,” Hartenstein said. “But I think, unless you’re really the top guy on any team, you’re going to have to adjust to a certain role. You’re not going to be able to do everything you want. So, I mean, if you want to be a winning player, you have to be able to do it. Now I’m in a perfect situation, where I’m allowed to play my game, and it’s been working really well.”
Hartenstein has helped the Knicks weather numerous injuries to their front line and has emerged as a candidate for the All-Defensive team, according to Herbert. He’ll be in line for a huge raise on his $8.2MM salary when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
“I think I’ve proven that, no matter what big comes in, it’s a matchup,” Hartenstein said. “I don’t think, any big that ever comes in, I’m scared of or anything. I think I’ve established that I’m a starter in the NBA. I can play a big role on a winning team.”
There’s more on the Knicks:
- Donte DiVincenzo set the franchise record for three-pointers in a season Friday night, per Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. DiVincenzo hit six shots from long distance in an overtime loss at San Antonio, giving him 245 for the season, which ranks third in the league. “It’s cool, it’s a cool accomplishment. You look at the list of who is on there, it’s special,” DiVincenzo said. “We still have nine games to go. So there’s no real pressure. Just go out there and take the shots I’ve been taking all year.”
- In a separate story, Bondy examines New York’s potential first-round playoff matchups and how the team has fared against Indiana, Cleveland, Orlando, Philadelphia and Miami. Bondy also considers a possible extension this summer for Jalen Brunson, but believes it’s unlikely because Brunson will only make $25MM next season, which limits the extension to $156.5MM over four years. The All-Star guard will be in position for a much bigger payday as a free agent in 2025, becoming eligible for a five-year deal worth approximately $258MM.
- Steve Popper of Newsday looks at how Miles McBride has been able to improve his three-point shooting as his playing time has increased. McBride sank a career-high nine three-pointers Friday night.
- OG Anunoby will miss his seventh straight game Sunday with right elbow “injury management,” tweets Fred Katz of The Athletic. Robinson is listed as questionable after spraining his left ankle in his second game back following ankle surgery.
So hard to make bread in free agency in today’s NBA , hat tip to Ny who has unearthed the secret sauce lately
GSW has to be kicking itself letting DDV go
I see Philly in a similar situation next year looking at DeAnthony Meltons growth somewhere else
GSW couldn’t offer DiV (as a Non-Bird FA) more than 5.4 mm or so. I don’t think they were ever a factor. PHI will have a lot to do this offseason, but they at least can be in the Melton game if they want to be.
Any narrative of the NYK’s rebuild under Rose & Co. should carry the disclaimer “Don’t Try To Assemble At Home”. In particular, neither they nor any other FO, are likely to duplicate their performance in the free agent market over the past two years, netting 3 starters in their primes for bargain salaries.
True, but with many of their players on multi-year below market contracts, the Knicks could take a big swing in the trade market this offseason and still have good depth without pushing them over the second tax threshold.
Agreed, they could. The one and only positive thing about Dolan is that he’s not afraid to spend. He’s done it in the past. At this point, I could see a Mitchell move since they have the depth and picks to acquire him.
I think the FO is more than willing (even anxious) to take that swing, but the right player needs to be there. Fortunately, they haven’t been quite as anxious as the media, and much of the fanbase is, and at this point they’ll likely want to see what this group can do in the playoffs.
I assume they’ll try to stay under the Second Apron for one more season, just for trade flexibility. But, even at status quo, they’re going to kiss it next year (at a minimum), and zoom over it the following year. So, it’s not the end of the World if they go over sooner (next year) for the right deal. But they have to satisfied that they have all they need for a few years.
Oh def don’t try at home, I only brought it up as its such an anomaly
Its what lead me to my Philly/Melton segue
With GSW it was a matter of looking at what they missed by paying Klay and Co so much and being capped Every time I see DDV in an article I think what coulda been with Gabe Vincent. Was by far the best free agent signing last year and maybe of many years
It’s been too long for OG. I hope he’s ok. Mitch is out of shape. Needs to watch and pace himself. Randle is getting close to end here. Need him for a couple of wks of season.
Injuries are what they are. So you play who you got. Looking like Knicks are going down to wire here. Randle at 80% for 24 mins. Can help a lot. With Knicks right now. It’s literally one gm at a time. They are getting healthier. Getting in gm shape. Therefore still getting better. OKC at home tonight. Need this one after letting Spurs run them out of SA.
Let’s do this …….. stay at top4 in East.
“In Thibs we Trust” ……..
Jalen Williams is a Knick killer. Loves lighting them up. He was the difference. He’s got game man. He’s a big guard. And can play either guard. Plays D too. Had our chances here too …… 44-30, 4th seed, 8gms to go.