Grading the Knicks’ signing of center Isaiah Hartenstein

As of 12:01 pm on July 6th, players were officially able to sign the deals they agreed to as free agency formally began. This means that the New York Knicks are now able to sign Isaiah Hartenstein to his two-year, $16 million deal that was agreed upon on the opening day of free agency.

Hartenstein, who was drafted by the Rockets in 2018, had struggled to find playing time in the league. He found himself in the G League at one point.

This did not stop him, however, as he managed to lead the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to the G League title in 2019, winning G League Finals MVP in the process.

He finally started to get some recognition around the league, providing solid minutes for the Los Angeles Clippers this past season.

How does Isaiah Hartenstein fit in with the New York Knicks?

While Hartenstein’s numbers don’t jump off the board, his per 36-minute statistics say otherwise. Last season, he averaged 16.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes a game. Those are impressive numbers considering he’s been a backup center his entire career.

Hartenstein isn’t your traditional center, as he plays the game in his own unique way to score, rebound, and set up his teammates.

The European big prefers to play in the high post, which could prove to be a beneficiary to the Knicks, considering that New York’s new guard Jalen Brunson likes to work off the ball by cutting to the basket.

With Hartenstein in the high post, he opens up the paint for guys like Brunson and RJ Barrett to make a play in the open floor.

He thrives in the high post on offense, but it’s also important to mention that he makes his mark on the defensive end of the ball, too. Hartenstein averaged 1.1 blocks per game last season, good for 15th in the league.

To have two centers rank within the top 15 between Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson, who has been re-signed to a four-year, $60 million deal, the Knicks will be in good hands when it comes to protecting the rim.

Pairing Hartenstein with the bench unit could be a recipe for disaster, and it could result in one of the strongest second units in all of the NBA.

Official Knicks grade for the Isaiah Hartenstein signing

For the Knicks, going out to get a guy who works well playing at the high post and will benefit the players around him will help the team’s chemistry tremendously.

The bench unit will be a point of focus going forward with Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, and a fresh and healthy Derrick Rose running alongside Hartenstein.

The player that will benefit the most from Hartenstein will be Obi Toppin since they can play off of each other very well.

On the offensive end, utilizing one big in the high post and one in the low post could cause havoc on opposing defenses.

On defense, Hartenstein is one of the more underrated shot blockers in the league, which can cover for Toppin’s defensive lapses. Not to mention, Hartenstein is a solid rebounder, which will enable Toppin to get out on the fast break for jaw-dropping dunks.

The Knicks bench unit will be stronger than ever, and adding Hartenstein is a perfect fit within Tom Thibodeau’s system.

Final Grade: A+

Newly signed free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein will thrive with the Knicks

The New York Knicks hit an under-the-radar-home run by signing big man Isaiah Hartenstein, whose unique skillset will help him thrive in MSG.