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3 Knicks players that will benefit from the Isaiah Hartenstein free agency signing

By Zachary Bachar

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 29: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates after assisting on three-point basket by Robert Covington #23 against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 29, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 29: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates after assisting on three-point basket by Robert Covington #23 against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 29, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks made headlines when they acquired former Dallas Mavericks point guard Jalen Brunson at the start of free agency, luring the dynamic point guard away from his former team with a four-year, $104 million contract.

They also made a smaller splash a few minutes later, signing backup center Isaiah Hartenstein to a two-year, $16 million contract.

The seven-footer averaged 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game for the Los Angeles Clippers last year. He played a major role in their unlikely success, as the team went 42-40 despite missing stars such as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for almost all of the season.

Hartenstein is slated to be Mitchell Robinson’s backup, as Robinson re-signed with the team on a four-year, $60 million deal on Friday morning.

At just 24 years old, Hartenstein is an advanced analytics darling who almost certainly has his best basketball still ahead of him. His addition to the rotation should help New York rack up wins while also getting the best out of his teammates, but here are 3 of those teammates that he should help the most.

3 Knicks players that will profit from Isaiah Hartenstein’s signing in free agency

3: Immanuel Quickley

Immanuel Quickley has had an impressive first two years in the NBA, and he’ll likely have a larger role with the team next season. This could include running the offense for stretches at a time, which is something that both he and the coaching staff have been working on.

One of the biggest improvements from his rookie year to his sophomore campaign was his playmaking, with Quickley nearly doubling his assist average as he went from 2.0 to 3.5 helpers per game.

It wouldn’t be outrageous to imagine his passing numbers spiking once again, as Hartenstein’s ability as a low post finisher should set up the rest of the bench with easy assist opportunities.

The former 2017 draft pick averaged 16.7 points per 36 minutes, shooting 62.6% from the field while doing so. For context, former backup center Nerlens Noel averaged a mere 5.4 points per 36 minutes while shooting just 53.3% from the floor.

As Quickley hones in his playmaking abilities, having an offensive-minded big like Hartenstein will be a perfect fit under the rim.

Hartenstein averaged 1.26 points per possession this past season as a roller in pick & roll scenarios, ranking just behind All-Stars Jarrett Allen and Rudy Gobert. His incredible efficiency around the rim combined with Quickley’s improved passing should make them a formidable bench duo.