Knicks’ second-round draft pick gets valuable advice from former franchise star

May 12, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball while New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) defends during game four of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Former New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein made sure to give incoming rookie Ariel Hukporti valuable advice following the 2024 NBA Draft.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Post (via MSN) shared this quote from Hartenstein, who had this to say to his German compatriot to prepare him to succeed in Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau’s system next season:

“He’s like, ‘Make sure you bring energy to the table, a lot of defense, rebounding, make sure you keep your game simple, don’t complicate it,’ ” Hukporti said. “Just listen to the coaches whatever they want on defense. Make sure you’re capable of adapting and all that.”

Isaiah Hartenstein’s play and sacrifice helped the Knicks win big in 2023-24

May 14, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) rebounds against Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) during the second half during game five of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Hartenstein practiced what he preached to the 22-year-old five man in his two-year career with the Knicks and it paid off immeasurably. Particularly in 2023-24, the rim-running workhorse placed a heightened emphasis on controlling the boards, which not only allowed him to fill in admirably for Mitchell Robinson for 49 games in the starting lineup but also saw the Knicks go 7-3 when he posted a double-double.

The change that Hartenstein made to his naturally versatile game to fit the Knicks’ system allowed his teammates to blossom. He helped free up Jalen Brunson in the midrange and gave himself and the rest of the Knicks ample second-chance opportunities with his impressive 14.4 percent offensive-rebounding percentage.

Conforming his game to match what Robinson brought to the table helped him find favor in Thibodeau’s eyes and when playoff time came around, his grit and hustle became infectious to the entire team.

Knicks’ Ariel Hukporti can make an impact if he takes heed of Hartenstein’s advice

Ariel Hukporti, Knicks
Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Hukporti may have been the No. 58 overall pick, but he will have the chance to carve out a role for himself in the rotation if he plays his cards right as his predecessor outlined for him.

The 7-footer averaged 6.3 rebounds and one block for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga and carried that over into his Summer League debut with six points and five rebounds. He has the tools to be successful in the Knicks’ rotation and the tape proves it too. He has an old-school game beyond the numbers, highlighted by his post-game, footwork and natural feel around the rim. Not only can he be a screen-setter who can capitalize off of his proficiency from the midrange, but he can also catch the ball on the block and make something happen.

From the sound of it, Hartenstein believes that if the young talent implements his fundamentals, it will allow the rest of his game to come into its own with time. The Knicks have an abundance of scorers on the wing that will do the heavy lifting next year, so Hukporti keeping things “simple” will be his ticket to seeing impactful court time out of the gates.

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