Whereas all the main focus for the Knicks main as much as the free-agency interval circulated round Jalen Brunson, they have been in a position to multitask.
Simply as free company started, Stadium’s Shams Charania reported the Knicks had agreed to phrases with stretch middle Isaiah Hartenstein on a completely assured two-year, $16 million contract. He signed a one-year minimal contract with the Clippers final yr and made probably the most of it, turning his greatest season within the NBA right into a strong cope with the Knicks.
The 24-year-old, 7-footer averaged 8.3 factors, 4.9 rebounds and a couple of.4 assists final yr whereas taking pictures 46.7 % from 3-point vary in 17.9 minutes per recreation. He has bounced round, enjoying for the Rockets, Nuggets, Cavaliers and Clippers, and was anticipated to obtain curiosity from a variety of groups, most notably the Magic.
However the Knicks — who had created over $30 million in cap house by buying and selling out of the primary spherical and dealing veterans Alec Burks, Kemba Walker and Nerlens Noel — jumped in to land the versatile massive man. It’s unsure the place this leaves Mitchell Robinson, who was reportedly anticipated to return.
Hartenstein presents a unique dimension for the Knicks on offense, a middle able to spacing the ground. He tried lower than one 3-pointers per recreation final yr however is able to hitting from past the arc.
He’s additionally a more-than-capable defender, blocking 3.1 pictures per 100 possessions, which ranked because the ninth-highest determine within the league. Opponents made simply 47.5 % of their makes an attempt towards him on the rim, which was the bottom within the NBA, in accordance with MavsMoneyBall.com.
An NBA scout accustomed to Hartenstein views him as a “high-level” backup.
“Actually excessive IQ participant. Not an elite athlete however understands tips on how to overcome his limitations,” the scout stated. “Probably the greatest passing facilities within the NBA. Can run your offense via him at occasions. Hasn’t confirmed to be a constant 3-point shooter.”
Hartenstein grew up in Oregon and moved to Germany on the age of 10, the place his father Florian was enjoying. He performed professionally in Lithuania earlier than being drafted by the Rockets within the second spherical in 2017.
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