Robinson injury and Hartenstein exit leave Knicks with a major problem

With the new NBA season fast approaching, everyone is wondering, which team will be the one to dethrone the Boston Celtics. In the East, Miami Heat, the Bucks and Sixers are looking to develop teams that could challenge as the Pacers and Magic are also maturing into potential contenders. But one team shines strongly as the likely candidates and that is the New York Knicks.

Last season injuries hampered their performances with the team revitalised with the arrival of OG Anunoby at the end of the year and this summer the New Yorkers have added Mikal Bridges to what was already an absolutely first-class defensive unit.

Bridges’ arrival couped with contract extensions for coach Tom Thibodeau and point-guard Jalen Brunson and the new deal for Anunoby have put the Knicks top of many people’s lists as candidates to make their first Conference final since 2000. However, the summer did end with a slight blemish for the team as Isaiah Hartenstein accepted the Oklahoma City Thunder’s offer (an unrefusable $87 million for three seasons) and his departure has left a considerable hole in the centre position.

This gap is further accentuated given that Mitchell Robinson will remain out of action at least until sometime between December and January with a stress injury to his left foot. Before the 2024-25 campaign has kicked off, the spectre of injuries continues to haunt the team and is further compounded by the departure of a Hartenstein who was fundamental last season, especially covering when Robinson was injured.

Knicks to spend?

The starting center last season, Robinson played only 31 games due to the problem with his left foot that forced him to undergo surgery in December and again in May, after a relapse in the playoffs. In his absence Hartenstein made a tremendous leap in his playing level and now the team need to make a decision as they are reluctant to rush Robison back on court as a stress injury to a foot is a very worrying matter for a player of his size.

A few days ago, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau surprised many in an interview for the NBA stating that Julius Randle could play more minutes as a center. Despite being a three time all star, Randle is a small power forward and is just coming back from a nasty shoulder injury that forced him to undergo surgery that saw him ruled out for the entire second half of last season. The 29-year-old is a player with many attributed but one who lacks defensive presence.

Looking to make a purchase in the market is another option and over the summer a series of players with high and not so high profiles (Clint Capela, Isaiah Stewart, Walker Kessler, Nick Richards) have been linked with possible moved to New York but the front office are keen not to move on impulse or desperation and are also acutely aware that bringing in a wrong fit could destroy the whole puzzle.