Former New York Knicks big man Isaiah Hartenstein signed a three-year $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder this offseason. Hartenstein said in an interview with The New York Post, “If it wasn’t a team like OKC, I would’ve taken a pay cut because I loved it (in New York).”
His unwavering commitment to the Knicks won’t be easy to replace. New York now has a dilemma at their center position. Mitchell Robinson is a defensive presence, but Hartenstein’s playmaking ability from his position carried a large portion of the season, 49 games when Robinson was injured.
Can the Knicks rely on Mitchell Robinson?
Robinson only started in 21 games last season and has only one season of his six-year career in which he played 70 games or more. Averaging five points and eight rebounds, it’s Robinson’s defensive presence that has made him a staple. Mitchell is now the longest-tenured player on the roster.
Robinson’s reputation has gained his credibility on the defensive end, but the best ability is availability, and Robinson’s lack of has left the Knicks unable to get over the hump. As injuries piled up last season, players were playing out of position, and in extended minutes, to risk repeating that would be malpractice by New York. A move must be made for insurance beyond Robinson.
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Options for the Knicks to target to upgrade the center position
NBA Free Agency has cooled since big names came off the board, but there are a couple of options the Knicks could take a look at. There has been an outcry to re-sign Precious Achiuwa, but the Knicks declined his $6.28 million qualifying offer in late June. The chances of re-signing him for less are unlikely.
Achiuwa made $2.6 million with the Knicks last season. They can’t pay him much more, and as good as he was, and seeing what Hartenstein got paid, one could imagine he wants more than his previous payday.
The other option for New York would be making a trade. The Knicks recently signed 10-year veteran Cam Payne to a one-year $3.1 million deal. Acquiring Payne, now a logjam exists at the point guard position, which opens the question of, “Will a trade be made?”
The Knicks drafted Tyler Kolek, a tremendous rookie point guard, and now Miles McBride looks to be the odd man out.
Ultimately, the loss of Hartenstein was a blow to the Knick’s versatility. Until they acquire another center, expecting Robinson to do what he’s never done for an entire season isn’t realistic. It’s almost certain the Knicks will make another move to bring in a big man.
Other names like Jalen Duren, Deandre Ayton, and Walker Kessler have been ‘whispers in the wind.’ Until a trade is finalized, expect players to continue playing out of position and in extended minutes.
