Isaiah Hartenstein reportedly breaks silence on Knicks exit in First OKC Interview ending with a controversial statement

After only two seasons, Isaiah Hartenstein and the New York Knicks parted ways in free agency. He left the Big Apple for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Hartenstein discussed his departure from New York during his Thunder introduction news conference.

“It was hard,” Hartenstein told reporters on July 6. “I was in a situation where I adored my teammates in New York.” I sincerely appreciate what Thibs and Leon [Rose] done for me. And supporters in New York showed a lot of affection.”

Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million deal with the Western Conference up and comers. Shams Charania of The Athletic was first with reports of the deal.

New York could only offer Hartenstein a four-year deal worth up to $72.5 million due to CBA restrictions. So he leaves the Knicks for a $15 million raise on a shorter contract.

And, according to the big man, an “exciting situation” in Oklahoma.

“But going into this situation is very exciting,” Hartenstein continued. “From afar, I always saw how the culture was. The style of play really fits me. I’m a high-IQ player. There’s a lot of guys cutting. I think I’m one of the best passers in the NBA. And then just the culture, very family-based. It was just something that was really exciting for me. I feel like I can really expand my game.”

Hartenstein established himself as a top two-way center last season. He finished the regular season averaging 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 75 appearances.

Hartenstein Looking Forward to Expanding His Game in OKC

One sticking point for Hartenstein in free agency? An opportunity to continue the growth he saw in New York.

He thinks that in Oklahoma, he’ll have an opportunity to grow more on the offensive end of the ball.

“I’ve been in a lot of situations,” Hartenstein said. “I know how to adapt. But the way they play here is really exciting for me. It can expand my game a lot, especially offensively.”

Specifically, Hartenstein would like to shoot the ball more.

“If you’re an NBA player, you have to adapt to certain roles,” Hartenstein continued. “And that’s what I did in New York. My passing only came out in the last year. My first year, I had to adapt to a certain role. So I feel like I can get back to that shooting aspect. Before, I was shooting, so I want to get back to that even more.”

It’s likely he’s referring to three-pointers, something he’d shown an eagerness in his first season with the Knicks. Hartenstein attempted just three shots from deep last season after putting up 37 in the season prior.

Tags: New York Knicks

Hartenstein Looking Forward to Expanding His Game in OKC

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