Knicks sign Isaiah Hartenstein to 2 year/$16 M contract

[aggo]

ihart > Mitch

Read on Twitter

[movingon]

Can we offer Hartenstein the full early bird contract, starting around 15 mill, and also give him an opt out after 1 season if he wants an even bigger raise? That seems like the best offer we can give no?

That's my understanding, we can offer a 1+1 with a player option.
Then we have his bird rights even if he declines year 2, and we can offer more when we'll already be over the luxury tax anyway.
The question is whether there are any teams with cap room that will offer him significantly more than the MLE.
Any team you think would go for it?

[Jeffrey]

Can we offer Hartenstein the full early bird contract, starting around 15 mill, and also give him an opt out after 1 season if he wants an even bigger raise? That seems like the best offer we can give no?

That's my understanding, we can offer a 1+1 with a player option.
Then we have his bird rights even if he declines year 2, and we can offer more when we'll already be over the luxury tax anyway.
The question is whether there are any teams with cap room that will offer him significantly more than the MLE.
Any team you think would go for it?

iHart is probably thinking he is better Jakob Poetl and signed a 4 year 78m (with player option). If someone gives him that money, you think he will turn it down?

[Zenzibar]

We can't afford to spend $30 million a season on 2 centers, it's going to be one or the other. You pick the one that stays healthy.

Why not? Keeping both won't put us into the super-tax this summer, and we're hitting it next summer when Brunson & Randle get new deals whether we keep Mitch or not

Only argument I see to move Mitch is if he's definitely out for the year, and our FO really wants to go for it this year without spending the ammo we'll need if a top 10 guy becomes available. Then there's a case for swapping Mitch for someone like Gafford...who's not as good as Mitch, but is healthy and a little cheaper.

But the money is there to keep them both past this season.

How can we pay both ihart and Mitch next season? We have to pay OG as well who isn’t cheap. What contract are you expecting ihart to get? Some bum team is gonna throw the brinks truck at ihart this summer based off what he’s doing right now

So right now iHart is ours for 2 more years, Let's rock with this lineup this year and see how it moves next. Maybe iHart will sign another contract with us and Mitch is moved. Who knows. But what we know is that depth at the 5 is not our problem for another season and we should celebrate this. Just saying.

[cgf]

Why not? Keeping both won't put us into the super-tax this summer, and we're hitting it next summer when Brunson & Randle get new deals whether we keep Mitch or not

Only argument I see to move Mitch is if he's definitely out for the year, and our FO really wants to go for it this year without spending the ammo we'll need if a top 10 guy becomes available. Then there's a case for swapping Mitch for someone like Gafford...who's not as good as Mitch, but is healthy and a little cheaper.

But the money is there to keep them both past this season.

How can we pay both ihart and Mitch next season? We have to pay OG as well who isn’t cheap. What contract are you expecting ihart to get? Some bum team is gonna throw the brinks truck at ihart this summer based off what he’s doing right now

So right now iHart is ours for 2 more years, Let's rock with this lineup this year and see how it moves next. Maybe iHart will sign another contract with us and Mitch is moved. Who knows. But what we know is that depth at the 5 is not our problem for another season and we should celebrate this. Just saying.

Hartenstein is actually a free agent after this season and we only have early bird rights on him that limit how much we can offer him this year. It's around 4 year 64M max, but we can offer him a 2 year deal for 30M and give him an opt out after next season, when we would have full bird rights to pay him whatever he was worth...and we'll be over the 2nd apron anyway, so we won't gain as much from pinching pennies on his salary.

But if IH wants to stay, we can afford to keep him and Mitch without becoming a super-tax team this summer and having to deal with all of those restrictions.

[cgf]

Can we offer Hartenstein the full early bird contract, starting around 15 mill, and also give him an opt out after 1 season if he wants an even bigger raise? That seems like the best offer we can give no?

That's my understanding, we can offer a 1+1 with a player option.
Then we have his bird rights even if he declines year 2, and we can offer more when we'll already be over the luxury tax anyway.
The question is whether there are any teams with cap room that will offer him significantly more than the MLE.
Any team you think would go for it?

iHart is probably thinking he is better Jakob Poetl and signed a 4 year 78m (with player option). If someone gives him that money, you think he will turn it down?

Depends on how happy he is here. He's bounced around a bit, so if he's really happy here and sees we're doing everything we can to pay him. Then a 1+1 to keep playing with his bff, before signing that bigger deal next summer, could definitely be more attractive than trying to teach the Hornets how to win

Really depends on the big fella's priorities and what he's feeling.

[TrueWarrior]

That's my understanding, we can offer a 1+1 with a player option.
Then we have his bird rights even if he declines year 2, and we can offer more when we'll already be over the luxury tax anyway.
The question is whether there are any teams with cap room that will offer him significantly more than the MLE.
Any team you think would go for it?

iHart is probably thinking he is better Jakob Poetl and signed a 4 year 78m (with player option). If someone gives him that money, you think he will turn it down?

Depends on how happy he is here. He's bounced around a bit, so if he's really happy here and sees we're doing everything we can to pay him. Then a 1+1 to keep playing with his bff, before signing that bigger deal next summer, could definitely be more attractive than trying to teach the Hornets how to win

Really depends on the big fella's priorities and what he's feeling.

Yeah the simple fact is if he wants to stay, he’ll stay. He already chose us the first time, and now we’re in a better spot than when he originally signed.

We can offer him 15 mill next season with raises, which is fair unless he really does turn into Jokic, and when we get his full bird rights after next season we can offer him the most money and years of any team. Not sure if we can only offer him a 1+1 or if we can offer the max early bird 4 year deal (4/64?) with a player option after 1 season though.

Part of our offer is being the starting center in NYC during a rare possible championship window, where he can become a legend if we actually win one. He gets to play half his games at MSG and follow in the footsteps of Willis Reed, Jerry Lucas, Patrick Ewing, Bill Cartwright, Marcus Camby, Tyson Chandler, Mitchell Robinson, etc.

So it depends on how much patience he has. I wouldn’t hold it against him to take the most money asap, because as we saw with Nerlens Noel it may not always be there the next year. Id be surprised if he left though. He’s repped by CAA, his wife probably likes the city, sees firsthand what we’re doing here, and already knows how he fits.

Im not gonna stress this though. Whatever happens happens. At least we’ll have Mitch still if Isaiah did leave so we wont be left with nothing. Mitch is still great at what he does when he actually plays.

[cgf]

iHart is probably thinking he is better Jakob Poetl and signed a 4 year 78m (with player option). If someone gives him that money, you think he will turn it down?

Depends on how happy he is here. He's bounced around a bit, so if he's really happy here and sees we're doing everything we can to pay him. Then a 1+1 to keep playing with his bff, before signing that bigger deal next summer, could definitely be more attractive than trying to teach the Hornets how to win

Really depends on the big fella's priorities and what he's feeling.

Yeah the simple fact is if he wants to stay, he’ll stay. He already chose us the first time, and now we’re in a better spot than when he originally signed.

We can offer him 15 mill next season with raises, which is fair unless he really does turn into Jokic, and when we get his full bird rights after next season we can offer him the most money and years of any team. Not sure if we can only offer him a 1+1 or if we can offer the max early bird 4 year deal (4/64?) with a player option after 1 season though.

Part of our offer is being the starting center in NYC during a rare possible championship window, where he can become a legend if we actually win one. He gets to play half his games at MSG and follow in the footsteps of Willis Reed, Jerry Lucas, Patrick Ewing, Bill Cartwright, Marcus Camby, Tyson Chandler, Mitchell Robinson, etc.

So it depends on how much patience he has. I wouldn’t hold it against him to take the most money asap, because as we saw with Nerlens Noel it may not always be there the next year. Id be surprised if he left though. He’s repped by CAA, his wife probably likes the city, sees firsthand what we’re doing here, and already knows how he fits.

Im not gonna stress this though. Whatever happens happens. At least we’ll have Mitch still if Isaiah did leave so we wont be left with nothing. Mitch is still great at what he does when he actually plays.

Player options can only be for the final season of a contract. So it would have to be a 1+1 or a 3+1, can't do a 1+3...or 1+1+1+1.

But yeah, fully agreed with you.

[dakomish23]

Guys, I’ve seen Dolan pay through the nose for garbage teams. He will pay up if he has to

[stuporman]

Wait...I was enjoying OG being +85 in the 4 games he's played with the Knicks and to finally figure out that iHart was +94 in those same 4 games...this new year run has been wild.

EDIT: I took a tweeter source as true but did the math myself....

BOTH iHart and OG are +85 in the past 4 games.

I just wanted to correct the mistake...still amazing, though.

[Zenzibar]

How can we pay both ihart and Mitch next season? We have to pay OG as well who isn’t cheap. What contract are you expecting ihart to get? Some bum team is gonna throw the brinks truck at ihart this summer based off what he’s doing right now

So right now iHart is ours for 2 more years, Let's rock with this lineup this year and see how it moves next. Maybe iHart will sign another contract with us and Mitch is moved. Who knows. But what we know is that depth at the 5 is not our problem for another season and we should celebrate this. Just saying.

Hartenstein is actually a free agent after this season and we only have early bird rights on him that limit how much we can offer him this year. It's around 4 year 64M max, but we can offer him a 2 year deal for 30M and give him an opt out after next season, when we would have full bird rights to pay him whatever he was worth...and we'll be over the 2nd apron anyway, so we won't gain as much from pinching pennies on his salary.

But if IH wants to stay, we can afford to keep him and Mitch without becoming a super-tax team this summer and having to deal with all of those restrictions.

Personally, I think he's appreciative at the way the team is developing and being put together. iHart also has a choice to make.

Does he want to get a nice pay raise for another 2 year contract with a team option? Does he want to be a part of a Jalen Brunson lead team or part of the new defensive identity which he fits lovely into? Leon is going to hook iHart up if he wants to stay and make a run together with MitchRob.

Or he can go to Orlando or something, but he might as well stay in NY with all the Knicks fans there

[Clyde_Style]

iHart is probably thinking he is better Jakob Poetl and signed a 4 year 78m (with player option). If someone gives him that money, you think he will turn it down?

Depends on how happy he is here. He's bounced around a bit, so if he's really happy here and sees we're doing everything we can to pay him. Then a 1+1 to keep playing with his bff, before signing that bigger deal next summer, could definitely be more attractive than trying to teach the Hornets how to win

Really depends on the big fella's priorities and what he's feeling.

Yeah the simple fact is if he wants to stay, he’ll stay. He already chose us the first time, and now we’re in a better spot than when he originally signed.

We can offer him 15 mill next season with raises, which is fair unless he really does turn into Jokic, and when we get his full bird rights after next season we can offer him the most money and years of any team. Not sure if we can only offer him a 1+1 or if we can offer the max early bird 4 year deal (4/64?) with a player option after 1 season though.

Part of our offer is being the starting center in NYC during a rare possible championship window, where he can become a legend if we actually win one. He gets to play half his games at MSG and follow in the footsteps of Willis Reed, Jerry Lucas, Patrick Ewing, Bill Cartwright, Marcus Camby, Tyson Chandler, Mitchell Robinson, etc.

So it depends on how much patience he has. I wouldn’t hold it against him to take the most money asap, because as we saw with Nerlens Noel it may not always be there the next year. Id be surprised if he left though. He’s repped by CAA, his wife probably likes the city, sees firsthand what we’re doing here, and already knows how he fits.

Im not gonna stress this though. Whatever happens happens. At least we’ll have Mitch still if Isaiah did leave so we wont be left with nothing. Mitch is still great at what he does when he actually plays.

I doubt he'd want to play anywhere else if we can promise to take care of him financially. He is a key part of our emergence as a contender and he could taste the sweetest prize in the game by winning it all here. How could he not want to be a part of that?

[Clyde_Style]

Guys, I’ve seen Dolan pay through the nose for garbage teams. He will pay up if he has to

Now that Dolan is officially in the hunt for a ring he's not going to blink at $50M a year in extra expenses. He'll make it back if we go deep in the playoffs anyway. Imagine what that man will raise ticket prices to if we win it all. He will gobble up every last dollar in Manhattan if he can.

[Zenzibar]

iHart is probably thinking he is better Jakob Poetl and signed a 4 year 78m (with player option). If someone gives him that money, you think he will turn it down?

Depends on how happy he is here. He's bounced around a bit, so if he's really happy here and sees we're doing everything we can to pay him. Then a 1+1 to keep playing with his bff, before signing that bigger deal next summer, could definitely be more attractive than trying to teach the Hornets how to win

Really depends on the big fella's priorities and what he's feeling.

Yeah the simple fact is if he wants to stay, he’ll stay. He already chose us the first time, and now we’re in a better spot than when he originally signed.

We can offer him 15 mill next season with raises, which is fair unless he really does turn into Jokic, and when we get his full bird rights after next season we can offer him the most money and years of any team. Not sure if we can only offer him a 1+1 or if we can offer the max early bird 4 year deal (4/64?) with a player option after 1 season though.

Part of our offer is being the starting center in NYC during a rare possible championship window, where he can become a legend if we actually win one. He gets to play half his games at MSG and follow in the footsteps of Willis Reed, Jerry Lucas, Patrick Ewing, Bill Cartwright, Marcus Camby, Tyson Chandler, Mitchell Robinson, etc.

So it depends on how much patience he has. I wouldn’t hold it against him to take the most money asap, because as we saw with Nerlens Noel it may not always be there the next year. Id be surprised if he left though. He’s repped by CAA, his wife probably likes the city, sees firsthand what we’re doing here, and already knows how he fits.

Im not gonna stress this though. Whatever happens happens. At least we’ll have Mitch still if Isaiah did leave so we wont be left with nothing. Mitch is still great at what he does when he actually plays.

This

[Zenzibar]

Stop it with the trade Mitch talk, iHart has never shown this type of skills before this year, less we forget.

Why can't we just fkn have the best center tandem in the NBA? Let's see if we can get to the ECF during Mitch's and iHart's contract.

Dam Knicks fans

Yes he did. He was good on the Clippers

Strong statement on how good iHart's game is:

Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein is the best backup big man in the NBA
David Vertsberger

The Knicks are trying to build some momentum into the holiday season to separate themselves from the Eastern Conference pack. If they succeed in making the playoffs for the second season in a row it would be the first time in a decade, cementing the Leon Rose era as possibly the most successful of the franchise’s last few decades.

There are plenty of praiseworthy moves to cite for the roster and culture that’s been built in his three years here, from committing to Julius Randle to acquiring Jalen Brunson in free agency. But maybe there’s not enough love for some of the smaller deals that glued this team together, such as signing Isaiah Hartenstein in 2022.

After a failed season running it back with Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson at the backup five, New York inked Hartenstein to a two-year, $16 million contract. He’s more than earned his money in that time, arguably playing some of the best bench big man basketball in the league.

Hartenstein’s Knicks career began shakily, as he looked awkward in the offensive scheme and tentative on both ends around the rim. However, it quickly clicked how he would excel in a Tom Thibodeau system: by doing the dirty work.

He completely bought into the rim-protecting, rebound-chasing five role Thibs needs out of his centers, and it made him a force. Hartenstein finished sixth in offensive rebounding rate last season, averaging nine points and 11.9 rebounds per-36 minutes on 53.5 percent shooting.

New York didn’t miss a beat whenever Hartenstein took over for Mitchell Robinson, even defensively. The Knicks held opponents to 112.6 points per 100 possessions with Robinson, and 110.2 with Hartenstein.

These trends have continued into this season. Hartenstein is attacking the offensive glass with ferocity, securing 15.4 percent of offensive boards, good for third in the league.

The Knicks have actually been much better defensively with Hartenstein on the court, allowing 104.5 points per 100 possessions compared to Robinson’s 110.4. This is more likely a result of who the two share time with, but still emphasizes the lack of drop off between the centers.

Hartenstein has stepped up in the games where Robinson has struggled or gotten into foul trouble. The home opener against Boston saw Hartenstein play 25 minutes and go 3-for-4 with eight rebounds in a wasted effort.

The highlight of the season was his crucial role in last week’s 21-point comeback win over the Miami Heat. His flying chasedown block in transition swung the momentum, and he did a great job on Bam Adebayo for the remainder of the evening, in no small part leading to the Knicks’ signature win of the year.

He’s gotten more comfortable within the flow of the offense, utilizing his passing more for outlets in transition and in the halfcourt. His chemistry with Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, two of the team’s most prolific off-ball movers, is building.

While Hartenstein may not have the individual talent displayed by some of the other backup bigs in the game like Bobby Portis or Onyeka Okongwu, his acceptance of his role and play within it makes him arguably as impactful, if not more. That the Knicks can rely on either two of their centers to reliably anchor their defense and outwork the competition is a major advantage -- one dating back to the construction of the surprise 2021 playoff team.

New York will want to retain that advantage and will have to re-sign Hartenstein this summer to do so. His contract expires this season, setting him up for unrestricted free agency, and perhaps enough of a bidding war for the Knicks to bow out.

There are teams that could conceivably offer Hartenstein the starting position with starter pay, two things the Knicks cannot match. If there aren’t, New York could be in better position to keep their man.

Whatever the outcome, fans should enjoy the Hartenstein show while it’s in town. Despite who grabs the headlines, this team wouldn’t be the same without him.

[Clyde_Style]

Stop it with the trade Mitch talk, iHart has never shown this type of skills before this year, less we forget.

Why can't we just fkn have the best center tandem in the NBA? Let's see if we can get to the ECF during Mitch's and iHart's contract.

Dam Knicks fans

Yes he did. He was good on the Clippers

Strong statement on how good iHart's game is:

Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein is the best backup big man in the NBA
David Vertsberger

The Knicks are trying to build some momentum into the holiday season to separate themselves from the Eastern Conference pack. If they succeed in making the playoffs for the second season in a row it would be the first time in a decade, cementing the Leon Rose era as possibly the most successful of the franchise’s last few decades.

There are plenty of praiseworthy moves to cite for the roster and culture that’s been built in his three years here, from committing to Julius Randle to acquiring Jalen Brunson in free agency. But maybe there’s not enough love for some of the smaller deals that glued this team together, such as signing Isaiah Hartenstein in 2022.

After a failed season running it back with Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson at the backup five, New York inked Hartenstein to a two-year, $16 million contract. He’s more than earned his money in that time, arguably playing some of the best bench big man basketball in the league.

Hartenstein’s Knicks career began shakily, as he looked awkward in the offensive scheme and tentative on both ends around the rim. However, it quickly clicked how he would excel in a Tom Thibodeau system: by doing the dirty work.

He completely bought into the rim-protecting, rebound-chasing five role Thibs needs out of his centers, and it made him a force. Hartenstein finished sixth in offensive rebounding rate last season, averaging nine points and 11.9 rebounds per-36 minutes on 53.5 percent shooting.

New York didn’t miss a beat whenever Hartenstein took over for Mitchell Robinson, even defensively. The Knicks held opponents to 112.6 points per 100 possessions with Robinson, and 110.2 with Hartenstein.

These trends have continued into this season. Hartenstein is attacking the offensive glass with ferocity, securing 15.4 percent of offensive boards, good for third in the league.

The Knicks have actually been much better defensively with Hartenstein on the court, allowing 104.5 points per 100 possessions compared to Robinson’s 110.4. This is more likely a result of who the two share time with, but still emphasizes the lack of drop off between the centers.

Hartenstein has stepped up in the games where Robinson has struggled or gotten into foul trouble. The home opener against Boston saw Hartenstein play 25 minutes and go 3-for-4 with eight rebounds in a wasted effort.

The highlight of the season was his crucial role in last week’s 21-point comeback win over the Miami Heat. His flying chasedown block in transition swung the momentum, and he did a great job on Bam Adebayo for the remainder of the evening, in no small part leading to the Knicks’ signature win of the year.

He’s gotten more comfortable within the flow of the offense, utilizing his passing more for outlets in transition and in the halfcourt. His chemistry with Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, two of the team’s most prolific off-ball movers, is building.

While Hartenstein may not have the individual talent displayed by some of the other backup bigs in the game like Bobby Portis or Onyeka Okongwu, his acceptance of his role and play within it makes him arguably as impactful, if not more. That the Knicks can rely on either two of their centers to reliably anchor their defense and outwork the competition is a major advantage -- one dating back to the construction of the surprise 2021 playoff team.

New York will want to retain that advantage and will have to re-sign Hartenstein this summer to do so. His contract expires this season, setting him up for unrestricted free agency, and perhaps enough of a bidding war for the Knicks to bow out.

There are teams that could conceivably offer Hartenstein the starting position with starter pay, two things the Knicks cannot match. If there aren’t, New York could be in better position to keep their man.

Whatever the outcome, fans should enjoy the Hartenstein show while it’s in town. Despite who grabs the headlines, this team wouldn’t be the same without him.

One thing omitted. iHart came into his first Knicks camp recovering from an injury. IIRC it was a back injury, but I'm not sure what it was any longer. Anyway, he was not at full speed his first couple of months here and then he took off when he appeared to be fully healthy again.

Also, I disagree with the writer about the other players he compared to iHart. I think he's better than them even though Portis found a great niche role in MIL.

[dakomish23]

Guys, I’ve seen Dolan pay through the nose for garbage teams. He will pay up if he has to

Now that Dolan is officially in the hunt for a ring he's not going to blink at $50M a year in extra expenses. He'll make it back if we go deep in the playoffs anyway. Imagine what that man will raise ticket prices to if we win it all. He will gobble up every last dollar in Manhattan if he can.

In 18-19, I went to games of all the 2018 draft prospects I liked. Even back then when we were tanking, arena was full. I was there to see the other kids & mock THJ.

There was one game where we were getting destroyed by I think a very young PHX team. We clearly had no shot at winning. But somehow did the fake hustle to get it to 8 with little time remaining. Ppl standing & cheering.

This is the golden goose of basketball

[Clyde_Style]

Guys, I’ve seen Dolan pay through the nose for garbage teams. He will pay up if he has to

Now that Dolan is officially in the hunt for a ring he's not going to blink at $50M a year in extra expenses. He'll make it back if we go deep in the playoffs anyway. Imagine what that man will raise ticket prices to if we win it all. He will gobble up every last dollar in Manhattan if he can.

In 18-19, I went to games of all the 2018 draft prospects I liked. Even back then when we were tanking, arena was full. I was there to see the other kids & mock THJ.

There was one game where we were getting destroyed by I think a very young PHX team. We clearly had no shot at winning. But somehow did the fake hustle to get it to 8 with little time remaining. Ppl standing & cheering.

This is the golden goose of basketball

Whatever Dolan has to spend, the self esteem boost he'll experience if we go all the way would be worth every penny.

He's sober now and he can't do crack anymore. We're all he's got to experience that rush.

[Jeff Van Gully]

Now that Dolan is officially in the hunt for a ring he's not going to blink at $50M a year in extra expenses. He'll make it back if we go deep in the playoffs anyway. Imagine what that man will raise ticket prices to if we win it all. He will gobble up every last dollar in Manhattan if he can.

In 18-19, I went to games of all the 2018 draft prospects I liked. Even back then when we were tanking, arena was full. I was there to see the other kids & mock THJ.

There was one game where we were getting destroyed by I think a very young PHX team. We clearly had no shot at winning. But somehow did the fake hustle to get it to 8 with little time remaining. Ppl standing & cheering.

This is the golden goose of basketball

Whatever Dolan has to spend, the self esteem boost he'll experience if we go all the way would be worth every penny.

He's sober now and he can't do crack anymore. We're all he's got to experience that rush.

jesus, clyde!

[HarthorneWingo]

Yes he did. He was good on the Clippers

Strong statement on how good iHart's game is:

Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein is the best backup big man in the NBA
David Vertsberger

The Knicks are trying to build some momentum into the holiday season to separate themselves from the Eastern Conference pack. If they succeed in making the playoffs for the second season in a row it would be the first time in a decade, cementing the Leon Rose era as possibly the most successful of the franchise’s last few decades.

There are plenty of praiseworthy moves to cite for the roster and culture that’s been built in his three years here, from committing to Julius Randle to acquiring Jalen Brunson in free agency. But maybe there’s not enough love for some of the smaller deals that glued this team together, such as signing Isaiah Hartenstein in 2022.

After a failed season running it back with Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson at the backup five, New York inked Hartenstein to a two-year, $16 million contract. He’s more than earned his money in that time, arguably playing some of the best bench big man basketball in the league.

Hartenstein’s Knicks career began shakily, as he looked awkward in the offensive scheme and tentative on both ends around the rim. However, it quickly clicked how he would excel in a Tom Thibodeau system: by doing the dirty work.

He completely bought into the rim-protecting, rebound-chasing five role Thibs needs out of his centers, and it made him a force. Hartenstein finished sixth in offensive rebounding rate last season, averaging nine points and 11.9 rebounds per-36 minutes on 53.5 percent shooting.

New York didn’t miss a beat whenever Hartenstein took over for Mitchell Robinson, even defensively. The Knicks held opponents to 112.6 points per 100 possessions with Robinson, and 110.2 with Hartenstein.

These trends have continued into this season. Hartenstein is attacking the offensive glass with ferocity, securing 15.4 percent of offensive boards, good for third in the league.

The Knicks have actually been much better defensively with Hartenstein on the court, allowing 104.5 points per 100 possessions compared to Robinson’s 110.4. This is more likely a result of who the two share time with, but still emphasizes the lack of drop off between the centers.

Hartenstein has stepped up in the games where Robinson has struggled or gotten into foul trouble. The home opener against Boston saw Hartenstein play 25 minutes and go 3-for-4 with eight rebounds in a wasted effort.

The highlight of the season was his crucial role in last week’s 21-point comeback win over the Miami Heat. His flying chasedown block in transition swung the momentum, and he did a great job on Bam Adebayo for the remainder of the evening, in no small part leading to the Knicks’ signature win of the year.

He’s gotten more comfortable within the flow of the offense, utilizing his passing more for outlets in transition and in the halfcourt. His chemistry with Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, two of the team’s most prolific off-ball movers, is building.

While Hartenstein may not have the individual talent displayed by some of the other backup bigs in the game like Bobby Portis or Onyeka Okongwu, his acceptance of his role and play within it makes him arguably as impactful, if not more. That the Knicks can rely on either two of their centers to reliably anchor their defense and outwork the competition is a major advantage -- one dating back to the construction of the surprise 2021 playoff team.

New York will want to retain that advantage and will have to re-sign Hartenstein this summer to do so. His contract expires this season, setting him up for unrestricted free agency, and perhaps enough of a bidding war for the Knicks to bow out.

There are teams that could conceivably offer Hartenstein the starting position with starter pay, two things the Knicks cannot match. If there aren’t, New York could be in better position to keep their man.

Whatever the outcome, fans should enjoy the Hartenstein show while it’s in town. Despite who grabs the headlines, this team wouldn’t be the same without him.

One thing omitted. iHart came into his first Knicks camp recovering from an injury. IIRC it was a back injury, but I'm not sure what it was any longer. Anyway, he was not at full speed his first couple of months here and then he took off when he appeared to be fully healthy again.

Also, I disagree with the writer about the other players he compared to iHart. I think he's better than them even though Portis found a great niche role in MIL.

The iHart playing now is a different animal than the one we first signed. He's grown a lot in a short time in the starting role. He's oozing with confidence now.