The New York Knicks are going to miss Isaiah Hartenstein this season — that much is clear.
Hartenstein stepped into a starting role last year and proved to not only be a good rim protector, but a perfect complement to Jalen Brunson because of his ability to pass and hit floaters in the lane.
Read more: Why losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency is a brutal blow for the Knicks
However, ESPN's Zach Lowe believes that the addition of Mikal Bridges could lessen the impact of Hartenstein's absence, despite the fact that Bridges plays a different position.
"This is where the Bridges trade, an under-discussed element of it is, he's a big talent injection, in terms of just all-around talent, including offensive creativity," Lowe said on the "Bill Simmons Podcast." "What he did in Brooklyn, at least the first half-year he was there — he fell off a little last year — that was, like, legit secondary creator on a good team stuff. If that carries over, they have a little more leeway in terms of what they can get.
"You mentioned Hartenstein and what they can't replace from him. Defensively, he was amazing, but his passing, his floater game, he was a release valve for them offensively. [The Knicks], in theory, should miss that less with Mikal Bridges there as a secondary, third creator."
Last year, defenses were able to load up on Brunson because the Knicks were short-handed. That may be harder to do with Bridges on the court, as Bridges has proven to be an effective shooter, ball-handler, and shot-creator.
Lowe also mentioned the possibility of Julius Randle playing center, which would allow the Knicks to put more shooting and ball-handling on the court. Though Randle isn't the defender that Hartenstein is, as a center, he could make the Knicks close to unguardable with his shooting, passing, and ball-handling while surrounded by four shooters.
Lowe said while he thinks a center "platoon" of Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa is fine, he also wouldn't be surprised if the Knicks trade for another center.
Nonetheless, Lowe is high on the Knicks because of their talent, depth, and versatility.
"I think the Knicks are going to be awesome," Lowe said. "I really love this team."
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