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Analyzing Isaiah Hartenstein’s huge midseason turnaround for the Knicks

By Zachary Bachar

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 13: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks celebrates after scoring against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 13: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks celebrates after scoring against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks signed Isaiah Hartenstein shortly after the Jalen Brunson saga last summer, albeit with much less fanfare. The consensus was that he’d be a solid backup center, who’d provide more offense than Nerlens Noel did in his final year.

As of today, it’s fair to say that he’s met expectations. However, this wasn’t the case earlier in the season. Hartenstein completely changed his approach, and he’s quietly played a substantial part in the team’s strong second half.

One of the areas many were fixated on with the 24-year-old’s game was his three-point shooting, as he knocked down 46.7% of his triples with the Los Angeles Clippers last year. While there was some healthy skepticism given the fact that he only attempted 30 of them, there was still hope that he could space the floor.

These hopes carried into the preseason where Hartenstein attempted 11 threes in four games, despite connecting on only three.

His high volume of triples continued into the regular season, although the efficiency never came with it. He took 31 shots from behind the arc in 2022, hitting just eight of them.

What has changed for Isaiah Hartenstein in his first Knicks season?

Essentially being a spot-up shooter completely tanked his offensive value, neutralizing his underrated passing ability as well as giving him fewer chances to work out of the post. It’s no surprise that before the new year, Hartenstein ranked 11th on the team in net rating.

However, he’s completely removed three-pointers from his shot diet and has been better off for it. In 2023, Hartenstein has taken just four threes in 38 games in favor of a more post-centric approach.

This has allowed him more opportunities to create for himself as well as others, having a natural talent to find cutters with the ball in his hands. It’s no surprise that he’s gone from averaging 0.8 assists in 19.6 minutes in 2022, to 1.2 assists in 19.7 minutes in 2023.

Hartenstein also has the third-highest net rating of any Knick in 2023, playing a major part in New York’s deadly bench group. It’s unknown whether Hartenstein himself or the coaching staff prompted this change, but it’s helped him find his ideal role on the team regardless.

As the Knicks look to maintain their current playoff trajectory, it’s crucial to have depth pieces that can provide offense. Thankfully, Isaiah Hartenstein retooled his game in the middle of the year and has now become a player that head coach Tom Thibodeau can count on.

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