Isaiah Hartenstein Claims Nets Sabotaged His Draft Position By Red Flagging Him For A Fake Knee Injury

During an episode of the "Roommates Show" podcast, Hartenstein, alongside his New York Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, revealed his frustration with the situation. He recounted how his agent informed him on draft night that the Nets had reported a knee problem, which he adamantly denies ever having experienced. Despite being projected to go between the 15th and 35th picks, Hartenstein was ultimately selected 43rd overall by the Houston Rockets.

The ramifications of this alleged sabotage extended beyond the draft night, affecting Hartenstein's early career earnings and trajectory. While first-round picks are guaranteed substantial money through the rookie scale, second-round picks like Hartenstein must negotiate contracts with lower salaries and fewer guarantees. This setback forced him to spend his first season in the G League after being drafted.

Financially, the impact was significant. First-round picks in 2017 were guaranteed over $4.3 million in their first two seasons, while Hartenstein earned about $5.6 million over his first four seasons combined. His initial struggles were evident in his stats, as he spent time developing in the G League before finding his footing in the NBA.

Fortunately, Hartenstein's career trajectory eventually shifted. After stints with multiple organizations, he found success with the New York Knicks, emerging as a premier starting center. His standout performances earned him a lucrative two-year, $16 million contract with the Knicks and the opportunity for a significant payday as an unrestricted free agent.

Despite his success, Hartenstein remains resentful of the Nets' actions, believing they unjustly tarnished his draft night experience and potential earnings. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by aspiring NBA players, where a single decision or allegation can dramatically alter their career trajectory.

As Hartenstein continues to thrive in the league, his resilience in overcoming this setback serves as a testament to his determination and talent. While the controversy surrounding his draft night may linger, his focus remains on excelling on the court and maximizing his potential in the NBA.

Isaiah Hartenstein Has Made The Knicks Center Starting Spot His Own

Isaiah Hartenstein has firmly established himself as the starting center for the New York Knicks, even as Mitchell Robinson nears his return from injury. With Robinson sidelined for 51 consecutive games due to an ankle injury requiring surgery, Hartenstein has stepped up admirably, prompting coach Tom Thibodeau to face a tough decision when it comes to the starting center position.

Hartenstein's consistent performance has been crucial for the Knicks during Robinson's absence. Despite the impending return of Robinson, Hartenstein continues to make a strong case for retaining his starting role. His solid play has been instrumental in the Knicks' success, contributing to their impressive record and playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

Throughout his time as a starter, Hartenstein has showcased his versatility and reliability on both ends of the court. Averaging 8.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game in 39 starts, he has been a reliable presence in the paint, particularly on the defensive end. Additionally, Hartenstein's 2.9 assists per game as a starter highlight his ability to facilitate offense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Despite facing a minutes restriction due to a lingering Achilles injury, Hartenstein has continued to make significant contributions whenever he's on the court. Thibodeau has praised his all-around effort and highlighted his importance to the team's defensive play, emphasizing the collective effort required for success.

Interestingly, defensive metrics show that both Hartenstein and Robinson boast similar defensive ratings for the season, indicating their effectiveness on that end of the floor. This further underscores Hartenstein's impact in anchoring the Knicks' defense during Robinson's absence.

As Robinson prepares to return to action, Thibodeau faces a challenging decision regarding the starting center position. While Robinson's return adds depth to the Knicks' frontcourt, Hartenstein's stellar play has earned him the right to compete for the starting role.

Ultimately, Thibodeau's decision will hinge on various factors, including player performance, team dynamics, and playoff aspirations. Regardless of who earns the starting nod, the Knicks can take comfort in knowing they have two capable centers ready to contribute to their postseason push. With Hartenstein's impressive stats and impact on both ends of the floor, he has undoubtedly made the Knicks' center spot his own during Robinson's absence.