Knicks Rumors: Could Clint Capela Replace Hartenstein?
The New York Knicks are reportedly exploring potential replacements for Isaiah Hartenstein. Could Clint Capela from the Atlanta Hawks be a fit?
The Knicks had a remarkable offseason with their move to collect Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and signing OG Anunoby to a 5-year, $212.5 million extension.
Following the departure of big guy Isaiah Hartenstein to the Thunder, rumours have circulated about the front office’s search for a replacement. SNY’s Ian Begley stated that they had conversations with Hawks’ Clint Capela.
Hartenstein became a critical piece to the group’s success last season with how he anchored their rim protection. His availability became additionally precious to the group, specifically considering Mitchell Robinson’s history with injuries.
According to @IanBegley the Knicks discussed a deal involving Clint Capela this offseason.
Another names to keep an eye on as the season comes along: Nick Richards, Walker Kessler, Robert Williams & Jonas Valunciunas. pic.twitter.com/3tqrztSaqO
— Big Knick Energy (@BigKnickEnergy_) September 13, 2024
Capela has additionally been a solid presence for the Atlanta Hawks as a lob-danger choice for Trae Young and as a shielding presence down low. He turned into at the beginning and returned in 2020 from the Houston Rockets. The big guy has already performed four seasons in Atlanta.
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Former Knicks middleman pointed out Jalen Brunson and his past teammates trying their hand at convincing him to stay.
During an interview with The Stefan Bond, Isaiah Hartenstein discovered that Jalen Brunson and his former Knicks teammates attempted to persuade him to alternate his mind about leaving.
“They said whatever we can give you, we’re going to give you,” Hartenstein said. “I talked to Jalen a couple of times, Jalen and the guys. They really wanted me back and I really appreciate that. But it was definitely a hard decision. I couldn’t say no to an opportunity like this.”
Hartenstein signed a 12-month, $16 million deal to play in New York on July 12, 2022. Despite gambling his first seasons inside the league with the Houston Rockets and turning into a visiting player throughout different teams, he finally made a sturdy mark for himself with the Knicks.
Within the two seasons he performed for the lawn crowd, Hartenstein positioned up 6. Three factors (59.2% taking pictures) and seven. Four rebounds according to Recreation.
Now gambling for the OKC Thunder, the former Knicks large man is predicted to be a vital piece in the crew’s hopes for a deep postseason run. After a remarkable ordinary season to finish as the first seed within the Western convention, their size on the rim changed into exposure in the 2D sphere by the Dallas Mavericks.
They had no solution for Dallas’ lob opportunities, and for this reason, they moved to accumulate Hartenstein. Final season, OKC ranked fourth defensively within the league because of their incredible perimeter protection, given the duration of their gamers.
In the upcoming season, the former Knicks centre is predicted to similarly toughen the team’s protective identity.