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[Saba Sports News] Just weeks before preseason, New York Knicks fans are already feeling the loss of Isaiah Hartenstein after a workout video surfaced of him with his new Oklahoma City Thunder teammates.
Hartenstein, who signed a three-year, $87 million deal, impressed in the video by draining a three-pointer, blocking a shot, and finishing a fast break with a dunk.
The video, posted on KennyEllisTV’s Instagram, sparked reactions from Knicks fans on social media.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Just fell to my knees watching this,” with another replying, “You and me both.” Some fans, however, were less impressed, saying, “No change, dude’s a backup center y’all need to chill.”
Another fan expressed frustration, saying, “I wanted to see more 3s from him all last year, but it never happened,” speculating if Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau limited Hartenstein’s offensive role.
Hartenstein’s departure could be a loss for the Knicks. He nearly took a pay cut to stay in New York but ultimately signed with OKC for a better financial and competitive opportunity. “I was going to make sure I was set for life,” Hartenstein told *The New York Post*, adding he would’ve taken less to stay in New York if not for the Thunder’s offer.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau will now head into training camp without starting center Mitchell Robinson, who is recovering from ankle surgery. Reflecting on last season, Thibodeau discussed the challenges of replacing Hartenstein and others in the center rotation.
Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points, a career-high 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks last season for the Knicks.