In the early part of the season, there wasn’t a player as dominant in the NBA as New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson in the paint. He was an offensive rebounding machine, pulling down boards and creating extra possessions at a higher rate than entire teams.
Defensively, he was the anchor for Tom Thibodeau’s scheme. A gifted rim protector, Robinson also got the job done as a pick-and-roll defender with his length disrupting passing lanes and shot attempts on the perimeter.
So, when it was announced that he would be sidelined for at least 8-to-10 weeks because of ankle surgery, many questioned how the Knicks would respond during his absence. Unfortunately, playing without Robinson is something that the franchise has a lot of experience doing as he has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Isaiah Hartenstein, Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks Updates
Despite having experience replacing Robinson, actually replicating his production and impact on the court was going to prove difficult. There aren’t many players capable of doing what he has done this season, but it turns out that the Knicks had someone capable of it as his backup.
Isaiah Hartenstein has stepped into the starting in place of Robinson and the team’s production hasn’t slipped much. At the start, the defense had its issues, but those have been ironed out. The addition of OG Anunoby in a trade from the Toronto Raptors will definitely help.Â
Along with Anunoby the Knicks also acquired Precious Achiuwa, who will help with their lack of depth in the frontcourt. He should be a more impactful player than Taj Gibson and Jericho Sims were providing.
But, the key to replacing Robinson has been Hartenstein. What he has accomplished as the starter is nothing short of spectacular. Against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he did his best Robinson impersonation recording three blocks and three steals. The blocks were highlight tape-worthy, all against All-Star Rudy Gobert at the summit.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Isaiah Hartenstein, Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks Updates
With that performance against the Timberwolves, Hartenstein also took over the No. 1 spot in defensive EPM in the NBA. EPM is estimated plus/minus, as there isn’t a player in the NBA having as positive of an impact on the defensive side of the ball as Hartenstein does.
As shared by Knicks Analytics on X, Hartenstein is making an impact with his relentless motor. He is currently 11th in the NBA in boxouts per 36 minutes and seventh in distance traveled per 36 minutes. When taking into account that he is a seven-footer, his ability to move around the court so well is even more impressive.
Hartenstein isn’t the exact kind of player that Robinson is, but he is finding ways to continue impacting the game and make an impression. He has handled his increased role as well as the team could have hoped for as the loss of Robinson isn’t derailing the Knicks as much as many feared it would.
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