May 19, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) reacts during the third quarter of Game 7 of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Former New York Knicks player Isaiah Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million contract 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 have taken a pay cut because I loved it (New York).”
His unwavering commitment to the Knicks won’t be easy to replace. New York now has a dilemma at center. Mitchell Robinson is a defensive presence, but Hartenstein’s ability to create plays from his position was key for much of the season, 49 games when Robinson was injured.
Can the Knicks trust Mitchell Robinson?
Robinson started just 21 games last season and has only played 70 or more games in a season of his six-year career. Averaging five points and eight rebounds, it is Robinson’s defensive presence that has made him a fixture. Mitchell is now the longest-tenured player on the roster.
Robinson’s reputation has given him credibility on defense, but his best skill is availability, and Robinson’s lack of availability has left the Knicks unable to get over the hump. As injuries piled up last season, players were playing out of position and for too long, and risking a repeat of that would be bad form on New York’s part. A move must be made to secure beyond Robinson.
Options the Knicks could consider to upgrade the center position
NBA free agency has cooled off since big names left the market, but there are a couple of options the Knicks could consider. There was a clamor to re-sign Precious Achiuwa, but the Knicks rejected 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 as much as Hartenstein got for him, you’d imagine he wants more than his previous salary.
The other option for New York would be to make a trade. The Knicks recently signed 10-year veteran Cam Payne to a one-year, $3.1 million contract. With the acquisition of Payne, there is now a stalemate at the point guard position, which raises the question of whether a trade will happen.
The Knicks drafted Tyler Kolek, a tremendous rookie point guard, and now Miles McBride appears to be the player left out.
Ultimately, the loss of Hartenstein was a huge blow to the Knicks’ versatility. Until they get another center, it’s unrealistic to expect Robinson to do what he’s never done in an entire season. The Knicks will almost certainly make another move to sign a center.
Other names like Jalen Duren, Deandre Ayton and Walker Kessler have been “rumors in the wind.” Until a trade is finalized, the players are expected to continue playing out of position and with more minutes.
