Although the New York Knicks were bounced out of the 2024 NBA playoffs in the second round despite some talk of a championship, the organization shouldn’t be ashamed of how the season played out.
The Knicks were one of the most exciting and fun teams to root for during the 2023-24 NBA season because the roster was full of tough, physical, and team-oriented players who left it all out on the floor each and every night.
New York dealt with untimely injuries throughout the postseason which ultimately led to them losing in seven games to the Indiana Pacers, but the front office can easily bring back the bulk of its roster this offseason.
While Jalen Brunson is up for an extension, one key piece to monitor is Isaiah Hartenstein, who stepped up as the team’s starting center after Mitchell Robinson suffered a high-ankle sprain in the regular season.
Hartenstein was the perfect player for head coach Tom Thibodeau because he was a menace on the glass and did well as a facilitator at the top of the key.
The veteran big man is set to hit unrestricted free agency, but he posted a heartfelt message to the Knicks faithful via his personal Instagram account.
“Year 6 Thank you NY for making it so special!! Time to get back to work,” Hartenstein posted (via New York Basketball).
Isaiah Hartenstein on IG: “Year 6?? Thank you NY for making it so
special!! Time to get back to work? # foe” pic.twitter.com/dHikf1BYdX— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 2, 2024
It’s safe to say that Hartenstein seems open to a return to New York, though he will likely demand a much richer contract in free agency.
Still, it’s something the Knicks have to consider because he was so crucial to their identity on both ends of the floor this past year.
NEXT: Jalen Brunson Reveals 1 Thing That Bothered Him In Playoff Loss
