A part of the explanation Isaiah Hartenstein selected Oklahoma Metropolis was a possibility to “develop my recreation lots,” he mentioned Saturday — particularly, showcase an offensive ability set that wasn’t inspired by the Knicks.
“In case you’re an NBA participant, you must adapt to sure roles. And that’s what I did in New York,” Hartenstein instructed reporters after formally inking his profitable deal with the Thunder. “My passing solely got here out within the final 12 months. My first 12 months, I needed to adapt to a sure function. So I really feel like I can get again to that taking pictures side. Earlier than, I used to be taking pictures, so I need to get again to that much more.”
In his first season with the Knicks in 2022-23, Hartenstein wasn’t shy about his problem adapting to the restricted offensive function of a middle in Tom Thibodeau’s system — which was principally predicated on screening and rebounding. It was completely different at his earlier cease with the Clippers, the place Hartenstein hit the occasional 3-pointer at a robust proportion and racked up extra factors and assists per minute. Hartenstein had extra alternatives with the ball final season, as he talked about, however the 26-year-old believes Thunder coach Mark Daigneault will improve his recreation.
“I’ve been in plenty of conditions. I understand how to adapt,” he mentioned. “However the best way they play right here is actually thrilling for me. It could possibly develop my recreation lots, particularly offensively.”
In fact, the opposite massive issue was cash. The Knicks had been capped at a proposal of 4 years, $72.5 million, which they saved on the desk till Hartenstein signed elsewhere. The Thunder gave Hartenstein a three-year, $87 million contract — although the ultimate season, as The Publish reported, is a crew choice. The assure is 2 years and roughly $58 million — or about an $11 million increased common wage than the Knicks’ supply.
It was a tough choice for Hartenstein, who had a assured beginning spot in New York and chemistry along with his teammates. His function in OKC isn’t set — “We don’t make guarantees on minutes; we don’t make guarantees on roles; we make guarantees on environments,” crew president Sam Presti mentioned Saturday — however such a monetary dedication doesn’t occur with out plans for enjoying time.
OKC received 57 video games final season — essentially the most within the West — and its championship window turned broad open with massive contracts this summer time.
“I used to be in a state of affairs the place I really like my teammates in New York. I actually admire what Thibs and Leon [Rose, Knicks president,] did for me. And the followers in New York confirmed plenty of love,” he mentioned. “However going into this example may be very thrilling. From afar, I at all times noticed how the tradition was. The fashion of play actually matches me. I’m a high-IQ participant. There’s plenty of guys reducing. I believe I’m the most effective passers within the NBA. After which simply the tradition, very family-based. It was simply one thing that was actually thrilling for me. I really feel like I can actually develop my recreation.”
Dropping Hartenstein put the Knicks in a bind as they navigate a diminished middle marketplace for a alternative. Logic signifies Thibodeau will begin Mitchell Robinson, who’s harm susceptible however was on an All-Protection trajectory final season earlier than present process ankle surgical procedure. They’ll nonetheless re-sign Valuable Achiuwa utilizing his Fowl Rights, however sources mentioned Thibodeau prefers him at energy ahead over middle.
Facilities Jericho Sims and second-round rookie Ariel Hukporti are additionally on the roster. League executives expressed skepticism that the Knicks, having depleted their asset chest within the Mikal Bridges commerce, can swing a reported deal for Utah middle Walker Kessler.
Charlotte’s Nick Richards can also be a rumored commerce goal. Remaining facilities in free company embrace Daniel Theis, Cody Zeller, Tristan Thompson, Mike Muscala, Omer Yurtseven and Taj Gibson.
Hartenstein, in the meantime, is formally with the Thunder and hopeful about his “expanded” offensive function.
“It’s important to acknowledge the truth that Isaiah was coming from an awesome state of affairs,” Presti mentioned of his pitch to the participant. “The worst factor you are able to do is to stroll right into a state of affairs and attempt to diminish the present place that the participant has performed in. I believe displaying plenty of respect for that, respecting how tough a call may be like that for a participant. Particularly once they’ve had success, each private and collective. You may at all times put your greatest foot ahead.
“I believe it’s much less about excited about the previous with the opposite crew and extra about excited about the long run along with your crew. What that may doubtlessly appear to be. A part of that with him being solely 26 and our perception that we will proceed his improvement and put him into conditions the place he can develop his strengths and what he does nicely. However these are actually robust choices free of charge brokers. … Thankfully for us, I believe he was in a position to see among the issues we had been speaking about.”
Jalen Brunson is eligible to signal his extension Friday, and if he does (it’s one thing he had been definitely contemplating in the course of the season, in accordance with a supply), he’d be leaving fairly some huge cash on the desk.
The max extension Brunson can ink this summer time is 4 years, $156.5 million. If he waits till free company in 2025, he’s eligible for a brand new contract from the Knicks price round $260 million-$270 million over 5 years.
Maybe related to this dialog was Brunson’s response to OG Anunoby’s signing his five-year, $212 million deal. The purpose guard was blown away by the cash.
“I mentioned, ‘Rattling.’ I used to be like what the eff. … $212 million?” Brunson mentioned on his podcast, “Roommates Present.”
Does Anunoby’s getting that contract make it roughly seemingly Brunson agrees to an extension? I don’t know. However because the crew’s greatest participant, Brunson can be nicely beneath Anunoby by way of annual and complete wage.
There’s a world the place signing this summer time will get Brunson more cash over time, nevertheless, since he’d be eligible for a second max extension sooner. Regardless if Brunson indicators this summer time or subsequent, there’s no query he loves taking part in for the Knicks and has each purpose to. He’s surrounded by family and friends, and each day is a school reunion.
The Knicks aren’t hiding from their mission. It’s a refreshing perspective after so a few years of rebuilding and low bars.
“We’re all chasing Boston. Now we have to,” Brunson mentioned. “They received at an elite stage the best way they performed. So we bought to determine, with out being on the courtroom proper now, how can we beat them? And that’s within the palms of the entrance workplace. After which when the season begins, it’s in our palms.”
