Isaiah Hartenstein’s insane offseason exercise has Knicks followers crying

Weeks earlier than preseason, New York Knicks followers are already lacking their former middle, Isaiah Hartenstein, after watching a latest video of him understanding along with his new teammates. Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. And he seems like he is in nice form as he drains a 3, blocks a shot, and brings the ball up the ground earlier than dunking it on a quick break.

Hartenstein’s exercise video was posted to KennyEllisTV’s Instagram.

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“Simply fell to my knees watching this,” one fan�wrote to his X, previously Twitter, to which one other Knicks fan replied, “You and me each.”

“No change, dudes a backup middle y’all want to sit back,” one other fan added, who wasn’t as impressed.

“I needed to see extra 3s from him all final yr, but it surely by no means occurred,” a fan added earlier than speculating if Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau restricted Hartenstein’s offense to contained in the 3-point arc. “Do we expect that’s due to Thibs or as a result of iHart wasn’t assured in his shot at the moment?”

The Knicks might finally remorse letting the six-year middle stroll. When Hartenstein approached free company in the course of the offseason, he vowed to conform to essentially the most profitable contract. He was positioned for a life-changing extension and a possibility to play for a championship contender. Hartenstein virtually took a pay minimize for the Knicks.

Nevertheless, the Thunder swooped in with the best supply, a no brainer for the 26-year-old veteran, per The New York Put up.

“I used to be going to verify I used to be set for the remainder of my life,” Hartenstein mentioned. “However then on the identical time, if it wasn’t a staff like OKC, I’d’ve taken a pay minimize as a result of I liked it [in New York]. However I now have a possibility to make that cash, make that pay increase, and nonetheless compete. I feel that was the principle issue.”

Tom Thibodeau particulars plan to exchange Isaiah Hartenstein

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau will start coaching camp with out beginning middle Mitchell Robinson as he recovers from ankle surgical procedure. Not too long ago, Thibodeau spoke to NBA.com’s Steve Aschburner about changing a middle like Hartenstein.

“We went by way of that final yr. We began the season the place Mitchell was the starter, and he was off to a monster begin,” Thibs mentioned. “When he went out, Jericho Sims began initially, then he obtained harm. Then Isaiah got here in and did what he did. However when he obtained harm, Treasured [Achiuwa] got here in together with Taj Gibson. So we rotated guys at that place your complete yr.”

Isaiah Hartenstein averaged 7.8 factors, a career-best 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks for the Knicks final season.