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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, Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. (Photo by Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports) /

1: Obi Toppin

While Hartenstein’s slick passing, impressive interior scoring, and blossoming outside game all complement Quickley and Rose extremely well, he also represents a perfect stylistic fit next to Obi Toppin.

He’s an underrated shot blocker who can also switch onto perimeter players, allowing the Knicks to cover up Toppin’s occasional defensive lapses.

He can also crash the glass at a respectable level, averaging just over 10 rebounds per 36 minutes in his career. This helps Toppin, who usually forgoes defensive rebounding chances in order to sprint down the court for easy fastbreak opportunities.

Hartenstein’s post-centric offense allows him to find cutters with ease, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone to see him connecting with the former top 10 pick on countless highlight-worthy plays next year. It’s easy to watch some of his passing highlights and imagine Toppin on the other end of each thunderous dunk.

The Knicks’ bench has become one of the top units in the league over the past couple of seasons, even despite last year’s disappointing 37-45 record. Considering that they just added a center whose skill set meshes with every backup, it doesn’t seem like a stretch to claim that they now have the most talented reserve unit in the NBA.