TORONTO — The Knicks have been in good hands at the center spot for a few months, and Isaiah Hartenstein continues to make a case to remain a starter even as Mitchell Robinson closes in on his return.
Robinson will miss his 51st consecutive game Wednesday night against the Raptors since suffering an ankle injury on Dec. 8 that required surgery.
That will delay for at least one more game the pending decision for Tom Thibodeau whether Robinson immediately will reclaim his starting role or if Hartenstein will continue to open games in his place.
Precious Achiuwa also has acquitted himself during the injury absences of Robinson, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, including a 16-rebound game off the bench in Monday’s blowout win against the Pistons.
“I think that’s kind of what made our season so fun,” Hartenstein said after the game. “You kind of go through how many guys we’ve had out, just guys stepping up, it’s us playing together.
“I think if we didn’t play together how we’ve been doing, I don’t think we would be in the situation we are in right now. Just everyone playing together, everyone being unselfish, I think that’s kind of what makes our team right now.”
The 25-year-old Robinson has been practicing with the Knicks for the past week, and Thibodeau said before Monday’s win that “Mitchell is moving quite well” and “just needs a little more time.”
The Knicks were 12-9 at the time of Robinson’s injury, and they have gone 31-19 since.
Their 43-28 overall record has them in the No. 4 playoff position in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the third-place Cavaliers, with Randle (shoulder) and Anunoby (elbow) also hoping to return before the end of the regular season on April 14.
Following Wednesday’s matchup against the skidding Raptors — who will be without ex-Knicks RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, among others — the Knicks will have 10 games remaining before the postseason begins.
Robinson was leading the NBA at the time of his injury with 5.3 offensive rebounds per game, and his 10.3 rebounds per game overall represented a career high.
Robinson, in the second season of a four-year contract worth $60 million, also missed significant time in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons following foot and hand surgeries.
As Robinson attempts to work his way back into game shape, it will be interesting to see how Thibodeau rations the minutes and the pecking order at center down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Hartenstein has filled in ably in Robinson’s absence, registering 8.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game in 39 starts in his absence.
Lately, the pending free agent also has been subject to a minutes restriction — averaging 22.8 over 15 appearances since the All-Star break — to manage a lingering Achilles injury.
Hartenstein actually logged 15:39 in the first half in Monday’s rout of the Pistons, his restrictions might be starting to be lessened. But with the outcome essentially decided Hartenstein then was limited to barely eight minutes after halftime to finish at 24:14.
The 25-year-old Hartenstein also provides a better passing option out of the post, with 2.9 assists per game as a starter, including five Monday night against Detroit.
“The thing about Isaiah, I think for our team, they know if they cut and if you’re open, he’s gonna hit you,” Thibodeau said. “So the harder we cut, the more we’re gonna create open shots.
“It’s everyone working together.”
Interestingly, Hartenstein (107.5) and Robinson (107.9) also essentially have the same defensive rating this season. The metric measures points allowed per 100 possessions with each player on the floor.
“All-around effort. I mean, I think that starts with Thibs,” Hartenstein said when asked Monday about the team’s defensive play. “I think Thibs does a great job before every game, I think we’re the most prepared team going into any game, so it kind of starts there.
“And just us playing hard every game, I think that’s kind of what makes us.”
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