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[Saba Sports News] Isaiah Hartenstein, center for the New York Knicks, seems to harbor resentment towards their neighboring NBA team.
During a recent appearance on “The Roommates Show” podcast, hosted by his Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Hartenstein shared his belief that the Brooklyn Nets significantly damaged his draft prospects in 2017.
According to Hartenstein, he was projected to be selected anywhere between the 15th and 35th picks in the 2017 NBA Draft. However, he ultimately fell to the 43rd pick, drafted by the Houston Rockets.
Hartenstein recounted how his agent informed him on draft night that the Nets had “red-flagged” him for a knee injury he never had. Allegedly, the Nets’ medical staff observed something concerning during Hartenstein’s draft prospect physical examination.
“[The Brooklyn Nets] red-flagged me for my knee,” Hartenstein shared with his Knicks teammates. “I never had knee problems in my life. … On draft night, my agent was like, ‘Yo, what’s wrong with your knee?’ I’m like, ‘What are you talking about? My knee’s fine.’ “He’s like, ‘Oh. Brooklyn just red-flagged you for your knee, so you’ll probably drop a couple of spots.’”
Despite never having experienced knee problems before, Hartenstein’s agent relayed the news that the Nets’ red flagging might cause him to drop in the draft.
Hartenstein flew back to Germany to have his knee examined by his doctors, who found no issues.
If Hartenstein’s allegations are accurate, it’s understandable why he still holds a grudge against the Knicks’ nearby rivals.
The financial disparity between being a mid-to-late first-round pick and a second-round pick is substantial. NBA.com’s mock draft from just before the 2017 draft projected Hartenstein to be selected 23rd by the Toronto Raptors.
The player selected at the 23rd pick, OG Anunoby, signed a 4-year, $9.7 million contract with the Raptors, with the first two years guaranteed.
As a second-round pick, Hartenstein had no assurances of securing a deal. He ultimately signed a 3-year, $3.9 million rookie contract with the Rockets.