Isaiah Hartenstein is the backup center for the New York Knicks, who played less than half of each game last season. However, on December 11th, Mitchell Robinson got injured, so Hartenstein is now a starter and he has certainly not disappointed.
This season, since Mitchell Robinson's injury, Hartenstein is averaging 11.4 Rebounds, 8.3 Points, 2.7 Assists, and 1.7 Blocks, while making 65% of his shots. He also currently leads the league in offensive rebounds per game.
For reference, every single one of these stats is better than Mithcell Robinson was averaging before his injury.
Before his injury, Robinson was averaging 10.3 Rebounds, 6.2 Points, 0.7 Assists, and 1.3 Blocks, while making 59% of his shots.
To be fair, Hartenstein is playing 4 more minutes per game than Mitchell Robinson was. (likely because Coach Tom Thibodeau doesn't yet have as much confidence in the team's other center, Jericho Sims.)
Hartenstein also averages 1 more turnover and 1 more foul per game than Robinson was.
I have always preferred Hartenstein over Robinson not only because of the stats above but also because Hartenstein is a lot more involved in the offense. Robinson is mostly known for his defense/rebounding and the occasional dunk, while Hartenstein can do all of that while also being a really good passer, and being a decent shooter with a nice floater. He is also a way better free-throw shooter than Robinson.
Hartenstein has certainly proved himself, so it will be interesting to see how much his playing time changes once Robinson Returns.
Either way, the Knicks are looking forward to Robinson's return as 2 great centers are better than one.
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Unrelated, Hartenstein and his wife Kourtney Kellar just announced on Instagram that they are expecting their first child, so congratulations to them.
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