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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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New York Knicks, Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose, New York Knicks. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

2: Derrick Rose

While there is still a possibility that he may be traded, it seems as though the Knicks front office is content with keeping Derrick Rose and letting him run the bench offense for another year. It’s a safe bet as long as Rose remains healthy, as he was a major contributor to their playoff run in 2021.

Hartenstein’s finishing talents should also benefit Rose, but his ability to space the floor should provide an even greater boost to the veteran point guard.

While it’s still too early to classify him as a ‘stretch 5’, Hartenstein made a clear effort to expand his range. He shot 46.7% from three this past season, although he only attempted 30 shots from behind the arc.

Even if that doesn’t translate next year, he still has a serviceable floater/push shot that can cause defenders to back off on drives and allow wider lanes for Rose to get to the basket.

Hartenstein is an elite paint scorer, but one of his most underrated attributes is his passing. In fact, he ranked within the top 6 amongst all centers in assists per 36 minutes, assist %, and assist ratio.

A 2-man game between Rose and Hartenstein could help the Knicks have the deadliest bench in the entire NBA, constantly keeping defenders on their toes.