Why Knicks Must Re-Sign Isaiah Hartenstein

New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein has played a key role this season, especially after starter Mitchell Robinson went down with an ankle injury that has rendered him out indefinitely.

Hartenstein, 25, is pulling in 8.5 rebounds in over 25 minutes a game, both career-highs. He has started 27 games as the Knicks work through some long-term injuries and the showcase couldn't have come at a better time: the two-year deal Hartenstein signed during the summer of 2022 expires after this season, putting him back on the centers' market.

With an eye toward the future, Bleacher Report included Hartenstein on its list of top 25 free agents, placing the former Los Angeles Clipper at 20th.

"The 2024 free-agent class has a shortage of big men, and Hartenstein is a young, serviceable role player who rebounds and finishes well around the basket (62.1 percent from the field this season)," Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus writes. "Hartenstein's future in New York may depend on Mitchell Robinson's health (ankle), but he seems like a keeper if the Knicks can fit him into their long-term budget."

If this season has taught the Knicks anything, it's the importance of depth. Perhaps that philosophy may change when New York goes star-hunting this summer, but having dependable players off the bench is paramount when building a team that can win.

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However, Hartenstein may be playing himself for a raise this summer and it could be out of New York's price range. Perhaps Hartenstein would take a hometown discount, but a solid conclusion could further raise his value.

Hartenstein has been no stranger to the Knicks' injury report this season, having missed four of the past seven games with a sore Achilles. Time will tell if he's able to suit up for the team's Thursday showdown against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT).