iHart expected to sign with OKC 3/$87

[Luv those Knicks]

Hukporti needs his own thread. I was watching those highlights today and he can be a big contributor especially with all the attention the other 4 guys will have on them. His footwork is great, he moves easily even coming off his achilles injury and has shooting touch. Then you watch his interviews and he's just very mature, high IQ...I really want to see him play here.

Do you think he could contribute this year? That's a big ask.

[rajajackal]

iHart is getting 60M over the next 2 years nearly double what the Knicks could have given. Not to mention the fact that approximately $5500 in OKC costs you around $12000 in NYC - money talks. There was no other motivation here

No doubt. I'm also not sure about him after he faded. His playoffs were actually pretty bad. He made the one pass, had a good G5, and that's that. Had some nice floaters against Embiid but couldn't really contain him at all, and a floater from a 7 footer is not my idea of great.

But what center outside of Jokic is going to look good versus Embiid? We are blessed to have Mitch to kinda defend him. But overall I-hart was great for us....there's really no other way to spin in IMO.

BUT....we are talented enough where we can absorb even this loss and still not miss a beat to contend with the best. If we get Kessler we will have a 48 minute wall of rim protection to fortify our league best elite wing defenders. So either way Orange & Blue skies!!!

he did a great job for us all things considered, but he isn't some individual solution to our team's needs. perhaps at some point we will find we need to upgrade at center to acquire that player, but in the meantime, having a guy who can defend the best centers in the league is better than having a guy who can't and isn't one of them

[K_ick_God]

No doubt. I'm also not sure about him after he faded. His playoffs were actually pretty bad. He made the one pass, had a good G5, and that's that. Had some nice floaters against Embiid but couldn't really contain him at all, and a floater from a 7 footer is not my idea of great.

But what center outside of Jokic is going to look good versus Embiid? We are blessed to have Mitch to kinda defend him. But overall I-hart was great for us....there's really no other way to spin in IMO.

BUT....we are talented enough where we can absorb even this loss and still not miss a beat to contend with the best. If we get Kessler we will have a 48 minute wall of rim protection to fortify our league best elite wing defenders. So either way Orange & Blue skies!!!

he did a great job for us all things considered, but he isn't some individual solution to our team's needs. perhaps at some point we will find we need to upgrade at center to acquire that player, but in the meantime, having a guy who can defend the best centers in the league is better than having a guy who can't and isn't one of them

I don't believe in Mitch anymore but at this point, his position seems secure. I doubt they'll move him. Maybe if he has a good start and they want to package him for an upgrade. I think we'd be potentially a lot better with Randle and Mitch out and someone really good at the 5 in.

[VirginiaKnickFan]

like Danny Ainge wants to trade with NY. What's he going to ask for?

We can give him either a first round pick (by altering the Bridges trade to include McBride) or a guy worth a first round pick (McBride) for Kessler who is a backup center who would not be worth a first round pick to anyone else right now because we just had a strong center draft.

The debate here is would Ainge want the equivalent of 2 first round picks for a back up center who isn’t really worth 1 first round pick to anyone but us.

I hate giving up Mcbride. . . . Ainge strikes me as the type of GM who'll ask for the moon.

[TrueWarrior]

What blows is after the Mikal trade we were a legit contender for a second there. Super strong 9 man rotation that Id put against anybody.

Didn’t last long though, and now we’re either scraping the bargain bin for some uncut gem, looking at Precious/Hukporti/Jericho, or perhaps using Deuce, Dadiet, Rokas, and the little protected 1sts, swaps, and 2nds we have left in a trade which may not get us much.

Even if you favor Mitch, it’s not like he still wouldn’t have been playing 20ish mpg behind Isaiah. So now he only gets an extra 5-7 mpg, because that’s all he can handle, but we’re screwed if/when he gets hurt. Mitch needs to get in the best shape of his life right now.

I have some hope Leon will surprise us with something, but the reality is it may not be coming until the trade deadline, next season, or later. Isaiah was a damn good player with more potential and it’s not going to be easy replacing him.

[Houston99]

F Hart we gave the scrub his bag. He was a nobody before the knicks. I hope he chokes with OKC.

[Houston99]

why dont we run with Brunson, Bridges, Hart, OG and Randle at Center? I think that would be a nice lineup

[Davis18]

There is a big gap in money, can't blame him.
He has earned it.
Good luck in OKC.

Mitch will punk his German azz next season.
I hope Mitch develops at least a hook shot.

[K_ick_God]

Hukporti is a physical specimen with NBA size and athletic ability. His movement skills are impressive for nearly 7-feet, 250lbs and he certainly passes the eyeball test. Has some growing up to do and will have to show that he can lock in and put in the work to be great.

He projects as a role player early in his career and will have to earn minutes with his rebounding, interior defense and running the floor but he’s got some offensive talent as well and should develop into more of a scoring threat some years down the line.

His ability to get off the ground at his size is impressive. He’s a shot blocking force who reacts well and has a quick first jump.

He scores most of his points right around the basket, either on dunks or short lefty hooks and layups but is becoming a more capable outside shooter, showing good mechanics.

[HopelessKnick]

The doom and gloom here by some is really ridiculous.....you'd think we lost a star player. Hartenstein was really solid for us but he was far from someone irreplacable. Also taken all 4 playoff series together that he played for us---they were relatively underwhelming if we are honest. Last season he averaged 3points/4rebounds in 20minutes through 11 playoff games and was invisible. This time he had some very good games but also a lot of bad ones in the playoffs and ended up getting 9points/8rebounds in 30minutes. Good, solid but definitely not some irreplacable force. There are at least like 10-15 backup Centers that provide things that he does but haven't gotten the playing time to showcase it.

Again, we have two protected FRPs remaining, we can pick swap as well. If the FO can create two salaries that aggregate around 10mill.-15mill. we will be able to correct this deficit during the season 100%. The worst case scenario is we go into the playoffs with a slightly worse backup Center than Hartenstein. That's the absolute worst case....like a Jonas Valanciunas type backup. Anyone thinking we'll go into the playoffs with Mitch and Sims has not followed this FO the past 2-3 years.

[HarthorneWingo]

The doom and gloom here by some is really ridiculous.....you'd think we lost a star player. Hartenstein was really solid for us but he was far from someone irreplacable. Also taken all 4 playoff series together that he played for us---they were relatively underwhelming if we are honest. Last season he averaged 3points/4rebounds in 20minutes through 11 playoff games and was invisible. This time he had some very good games but also a lot of bad ones in the playoffs and ended up getting 9points/8rebounds in 30minutes. Good, solid but definitely not some irreplacable force. There are at least like 10-15 backup Centers that provide things that he does but haven't gotten the playing time to showcase it.

Again, we have two protected FRPs remaining, we can pick swap as well. If the FO can create two salaries that aggregate around 10mill.-15mill. we will be able to correct this deficit during the season 100%. The worst case scenario is we go into the playoffs with a slightly worse backup Center than Hartenstein. That's the absolute worst case....like a Jonas Valanciunas type backup. Anyone thinking we'll go into the playoffs with Mitch and Sims has not followed this FO the past 2-3 years.

Who’s that?

I do agree with you on the doom and gloom part. The thing that IHart gave us was another playmaker bc of his passing and smart play. The team with the best record in the western conference last season is now paying him $27 million per year to be its starting center. But that’s life.

[Adelheid]

give the hulk the chance, brah

[HopelessKnick]

The doom and gloom here by some is really ridiculous.....you'd think we lost a star player. Hartenstein was really solid for us but he was far from someone irreplacable. Also taken all 4 playoff series together that he played for us---they were relatively underwhelming if we are honest. Last season he averaged 3points/4rebounds in 20minutes through 11 playoff games and was invisible. This time he had some very good games but also a lot of bad ones in the playoffs and ended up getting 9points/8rebounds in 30minutes. Good, solid but definitely not some irreplacable force. There are at least like 10-15 backup Centers that provide things that he does but haven't gotten the playing time to showcase it.

Again, we have two protected FRPs remaining, we can pick swap as well. If the FO can create two salaries that aggregate around 10mill.-15mill. we will be able to correct this deficit during the season 100%. The worst case scenario is we go into the playoffs with a slightly worse backup Center than Hartenstein. That's the absolute worst case....like a Jonas Valanciunas type backup. Anyone thinking we'll go into the playoffs with Mitch and Sims has not followed this FO the past 2-3 years.

Who’s that?

I do agree with you on the doom and gloom part. The thing that IHart gave us was another playmaker bc of his passing and smart play. The team with the best record in the western conference last season is now paying him $27 million per year to be its starting center. But that’s life.

Valanciunas is a pretty solid Center capable of doing a bit of everything. He was a better defender when he was younger but he is still ok. Averaged 12/9 last season with the Pelicans and signed with the Wizards for 3years/30mill.

The thing about Ihart's playmaking is true but there is one catch: Randle was out and we didn't have Mikal.....with both of them here the opportunities for Ihart to playmake with the ball in his hands would have been nowhere near last season. People overlook that and assume he would have just continued that. I remember in december watching a knick game and the german commentator said something long the lines of: "Rumors around Hartenstein are he is pretty unhappy in NY because he has been reduced to a rebounder and 15minute backup by the Knicks. He feels capable of doing much more." I actually think that if it wasn't for the Mitch and Randle injuries, Hartenstein would have continued playing 15-20 minutes a game and left in FA anyways. Keep in mind that up until the Mitch injury, Hartenstein was playing less minutes than his first season here.

We are going to be good anyways. The only thing of importance right now is to create one or two bigger salaries for midseason trades.

As for OKC: The reason they paid him that is very easy---their upcoming big extensions are 2 years from now mostly. They overpaid like crazy for Hartenstein because it does not hurt their longterm position and boosts their current title hopes. I heard the third year is not fully guaranteed---thus meaning that this insane 30mill. per year salary only last for two years---which OKC can afford. Also they would have to overpay big to make him leave NY. the 30mill. salary is more circumstantial and not because Presti believes Hartenstein is actually worth it (which he isn't)....like in Philly, two of our rivals were in a unique salary cap position where they could afford these moves without hurting their chances too much....were Williams and Holmgreen due for an extension next year for example, there was 0% chance they would have made Hartenstein this offer.

[thebuzzardman]

like Danny Ainge wants to trade with NY. What's he going to ask for?

We can give him either a first round pick (by altering the Bridges trade to include McBride) or a guy worth a first round pick (McBride) for Kessler who is a backup center who would not be worth a first round pick to anyone else right now because we just had a strong center draft.

The debate here is would Ainge want the equivalent of 2 first round picks for a back up center who isn’t really worth 1 first round pick to anyone but us.

I hate giving up Mcbride. . . . Ainge strikes me as the type of GM who'll ask for the moon.

Ya think?

[WargamesX]

We can give him either a first round pick (by altering the Bridges trade to include McBride) or a guy worth a first round pick (McBride) for Kessler who is a backup center who would not be worth a first round pick to anyone else right now because we just had a strong center draft.

The debate here is would Ainge want the equivalent of 2 first round picks for a back up center who isn’t really worth 1 first round pick to anyone but us.

I hate giving up Mcbride. . . . Ainge strikes me as the type of GM who'll ask for the moon.

Ya think?

I doubt the FO over pays Ainge. We really just want to go into the season with 3 reliable centers. I think a lot of people or inflating IHarts value based on a great playoff run that was fueled by the fact IHart had an opportunity to do more due to Randle being out.

Randle is going to be the secondary playmaker, and the secondary scorer next season.

[NYKinMIA]

first time watching him. why tf didnt you guys mention that we drafted a center that has an offensive game???? and he's 7'0!!
ariel hukporti folks!!!!

ARIEL HUKPORTI!!!

Watch on YouTube

https://www.nba.com/draft/2024/prospects/ariel-hukporti-2

Hukporti could end up being a starting center at the NBA level at some point, particularly if his offensive game continues to develop. However, he seems the type of player who might make a bigger impact on the defensive of the ball with his size, disruptive presence and energy. That doesn’t mean he won’t be a valuable contributor on offense, but for that to happen, he’ll need to adapt his game to the style of today’s NBA. Hukporti might end up being a backup role in the mold of Bruno Fernando or James Wiseman. Either way, he projects as a role player, at least to start his career.

ANOTHER Lefty?! I'll fuqs with him, let's roll.

Big Mitch & The Huckster sounds like a buddy cop show.

edit: he tore his achilles in 2022

[Meat]

F Hart we gave the scrub his bag. He was a nobody before the knicks. I hope he chokes with OKC.

do something about that bpd

[louisorr]

The doom and gloom here by some is really ridiculous.....you'd think we lost a star player. Hartenstein was really solid for us but he was far from someone irreplacable. Also taken all 4 playoff series together that he played for us---they were relatively underwhelming if we are honest. Last season he averaged 3points/4rebounds in 20minutes through 11 playoff games and was invisible. This time he had some very good games but also a lot of bad ones in the playoffs and ended up getting 9points/8rebounds in 30minutes. Good, solid but definitely not some irreplacable force. There are at least like 10-15 backup Centers that provide things that he does but haven't gotten the playing time to showcase it.

Again, we have two protected FRPs remaining, we can pick swap as well. If the FO can create two salaries that aggregate around 10mill.-15mill. we will be able to correct this deficit during the season 100%. The worst case scenario is we go into the playoffs with a slightly worse backup Center than Hartenstein. That's the absolute worst case....like a Jonas Valanciunas type backup. Anyone thinking we'll go into the playoffs with Mitch and Sims has not followed this FO the past 2-3 years.

you would think a team needs Kareem or Wilt to make the finals.
The Mavs just went with a rookie and Dan Gafford.
The dynastic Bulls had Wennington, Cartwright and Longley
folx gotta relax, we have everything covered and are better than last year.

[thebuzzardman]

I hate giving up Mcbride. . . . Ainge strikes me as the type of GM who'll ask for the moon.

Ya think?

I doubt the FO over pays Ainge. We really just want to go into the season with 3 reliable centers. I think a lot of people or inflating IHarts value based on a great playoff run that was fueled by the fact IHart had an opportunity to do more due to Randle being out.

Randle is going to be the secondary playmaker, and the secondary scorer next season.

Agreed. That's why the Knicks aren't getting Kessler.

Only hope here is that, because of the new CBA, 2nd round picks have become more valuable to teams, and that sending some # of them from the OKC trade (2? 3? all 4?) and the appropriate $ value player will be enough to entice Charlotte to send the Knicks some Richards.

[thebuzzardman]

The doom and gloom here by some is really ridiculous.....you'd think we lost a star player. Hartenstein was really solid for us but he was far from someone irreplacable. Also taken all 4 playoff series together that he played for us---they were relatively underwhelming if we are honest. Last season he averaged 3points/4rebounds in 20minutes through 11 playoff games and was invisible. This time he had some very good games but also a lot of bad ones in the playoffs and ended up getting 9points/8rebounds in 30minutes. Good, solid but definitely not some irreplacable force. There are at least like 10-15 backup Centers that provide things that he does but haven't gotten the playing time to showcase it.

Again, we have two protected FRPs remaining, we can pick swap as well. If the FO can create two salaries that aggregate around 10mill.-15mill. we will be able to correct this deficit during the season 100%. The worst case scenario is we go into the playoffs with a slightly worse backup Center than Hartenstein. That's the absolute worst case....like a Jonas Valanciunas type backup. Anyone thinking we'll go into the playoffs with Mitch and Sims has not followed this FO the past 2-3 years.

you would think a team needs Kareem or Wilt to make the finals.
The Mavs just went with a rookie and Dan Gafford.
The dynastic Bulls had Wennington, Cartwright and Longley
folx gotta relax, we have everything covered and are better than last year.

I think some of the panic is that Knick fans saw how well the offense operated when it had a C playing at least half the minutes who was euro inspired (or old NBA) in his style of play, where that C is a solid passer, screen setter and some semblance of offensive ability.

I think another aspect of the gloom is that some subset of fans don't exactly trust Thibs to have a creative offense, and to the extent he'll have one, having a good high post passer, who has to be a rim protector on defense because Thibs, unlocks whatever Thibs has in that regard.

The worry, probably not founded but who knows, is now the offense will revert to a steady diet of DHOs while the big dummy clogs the paint. And if the Knicks get another big dummy for the other 24 minutes, then it's 48 minutes x 82 games of DHO extravaganza.

Or, all that is hyperbole.