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Grading key Knicks players through first half of 2022-23 season

By Desmond Novack

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks gestures against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 6, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks gestures against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 6, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks. (Photo by Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports)
Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks. (Photo by Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports) /

Mitchell Robinson: B+

Previous Grade: C+

Despite having some foul troubles in recent games, Mitchell Robinson has been having a rather solid season. He may not be putting up the craziest stats, but Robinson has been doing a lot of the Knicks’ dirty work defensively and on the glass.

In 32 games, Robinson is averaging 7.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 70.5% from the field. What makes this even more impressive is that out of the nine rebounds he averages a game, 4.3 of them are offensive boards, which ranks third in the NBA.

The dynamic that both Randle and Robinson have formed on the defensive side of the ball has been a huge reason for the Knicks’ success recently. When the two are on the floor together they have a defensive rating of 107.9. The way they both complement one another on that side of the ball is very fun to watch.

Robinson has played his role incredibly well this season and has even had some moments where he’s looked like a star, like his 20-point, 16-rebound performance against the Mavericks and the three 15+ rebound games he’s had in New York’s last seven matchups.

While some fans were unhappy with the extension he received in the offseason, I think it’s safe to say he’s worth the money that he’s being paid. Robinson may not be a statistical star, but the impact he makes every game is something fans must appreciate.

Isaiah Hartenstein: C-

Previous Grade: B

After starting his Knicks career off rather hot, Isaiah Hartenstein has looked incredibly bad in his recent performances, making many fans hope for Jericho Sims to replace him in the rotation.

In Hartenstein’s last 14 games, he averaged 3.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists while shooting a horrific 38% from the field. While he may not be utilized the best on offense, that is no excuse for how poor he is shooting, especially considering that 67% of his shots come from 0-10 feet.

Alongside this, Hartenstein has also looked pretty bad defensively, but a good bit of that has to do with how switch-heavy Tom Thibodeau’s defense is, hence why Sims may be the better fit. This has just been an all-around bad stretch for Hartenstein whether we’re talking about offense, defense, or even rebounding.

Hopefully, Hartenstein can begin to turn things around as the season goes on, or else there is a very good chance he will be pulled from the rotation and perhaps eventually traded.

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