The New York Knicks have been one of the most active teams in the NBA searching out a deal ahead of the deadline for some backcourt help. However, based on some recent injury updates, they could be expanding their search to include some frontcourt help as well.
Isaiah Hartenstein, who has been playing some of the best ball in his career since the calendar turned to 2024, was forced out of the Knicks’ most recent game against the Toronto Raptors. He played only 23 minutes before he was ruled out with what the team was calling ankle soreness.
However, it turns out the issue that Hartenstein is dealing with is more serious than your run-of-the-mill ankle soreness. He has been listed as questionable for the team’s game on Tuesday night against the Brooklyn Nets with Achilles tendinopathy.
After practice on Tuesday, head coach Tom Thibodeau spoke about the injury to Hartenstein. Shared by Ian Begley of SNY.tv, Thibodeau said that his starting center is dealing with soreness in his foot/ankle and the team will see how he feels before making an official decision on his status.
The Knicks’ frontcourt rotation was already thin with Hartenstein stepping into the starting lineup in place of the injured Mitchell Robinson. He isn’t close to returning to the court, which leaves Thibodeau with very few options.
When speaking to the media, Thibodeau said that the team would rely on Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims to fill the void at the center spot. If he is willing to break his rigid mold when it comes to rotations, we could see the Knicks play small ball with Julius Randle or OG Anunoby at the center spot.
Achiuwa had a great game in relief of Hartenstein against his former team over the weekend, scoring 18 points with 11 rebounds off the bench. However, replacing Hartenstein will be virtually impossible. He has turned into an integral part of the team’s success, with the Knicks being the best team in the NBA in 2024. None of the backups can provide what he does on both ends of the court.
If there are any concerns this can be a lingering issue for Hartenstein, the front office may adjust its NBA trade-deadline plans. Hartenstein has been very durable, as he hasn’t missed a game during his Knicks tenure to this point and has appeared in 163 consecutive games.
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