Isaiah Hartenstein didn’t begin the season as the New York Knicks starting center. But when Mitchell Robinson struggled with injuries, Hartenstein seized the opportunity and emerged as one of the most underrated centers in the NBA. In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, Hartenstein tied a Knicks franchise record with 12 offensive rebounds, a performance that underscored his value to the team.
Key Player In The New York Knicks’ Playoff Push
Isaiah Hartenstein’s impact on both ends of the floor has been crucial in getting the Knicks just one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals. His physicality and presence in the paint have made him an essential part of head coach Tom Thibodeau’s game plan. With his contract set to expire after the postseason, Hartenstein is positioning himself for a significant payday.
Isaiah Jackson, Isaiah Hartenstein and Alec Burks pic.twitter.com/3FSnhvtUlC
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The Value of Isaiah Hartenstein’s Versatility
While Isaiah Hartenstein might not be known for his scoring, he excels in many other areas that contribute to the team’s success. The 26-year-old center is adept at moving the ball at the top of the key, hitting free throws, and even has a reliable floater near the rim. His ability to create second-chance opportunities is unmatched; he leads the NBA with 43 offensive rebounds in the postseason, ahead of Nikola Jokic who has 32.
Including both regular season and playoffs, Isaiah Hartenstein has averaged 12.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game when playing more than 30 minutes. His consistency and durability are noteworthy, having played in 75 out of 82 games this season and all 82 games the previous season.
Essential for the New York Knicks’ Future
Regardless of how the postseason concludes for the New York Knicks, they face a pivotal offseason. Letting Hartenstein walk in free agency would be a significant setback. He’s finishing a two-year, $19 million deal, and it’s likely he could command $14 million or more per year on his next contract.
Isaiah Hartenstein’s ability to stretch the floor provides more room for players like Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson to operate effectively in the paint. His chemistry with the Knicks’ core, including role players like Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart, highlights his importance to the team’s structure.
New York Knicks Face Tough Contract Decisions
The New York Knicks have some tough decisions ahead, with both Isaiah Hartenstein and OG Anunoby’s contracts expiring. While bringing back both players is ideal, it might limit their ability to add another star to complement Brunson and Randle. However, replacing Hartenstein’s role would be a challenging task, given his current form and contributions.
Isaiah Hartenstein’s performances this postseason have significantly increased his market value, making him a priority for the Knicks to re-sign. As he continues to prove his worth, the 26-year-old center is making a compelling case for a lucrative contract extension and a central role in the New York Knicks’ future plans.
