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The New York Knicks' inability to overcome the Indiana Pacers in their 125-108 Game 6 defeat of the Eastern Conference finals can be traced back to choices made in the summer of 2022. The acquisition of Jalen Brunson was a landmark, but another pivotal signing was Isaiah Hartenstein, a little-known backup center who secured a two-year, $16 million deal.

While Jalen Brunson emerged as the face of the franchise, it was Hartenstein who provided the backbone. Despite a strong offensive ranking of No. 4 in 2023 and No. 7 in 2024, the Knicks consistently dropped out of the top 10 in half-court efficiency. Their robust offensive rebounding, heavily reliant on Hartenstein, helped balance Brunson's less efficient dribble-heavy offense. Hartenstein’s defensive prowess was equally crucial; he was one of the NBA's top defenders according to Estimated Plus-Minus.

The short-term structure of Hartenstein’s contract eventually hurt the Knicks. As an unrestricted free agent in 2024, the Knicks had limited rights to re-sign him, allowing a maximum starting salary of about $16.2 million. The Oklahoma City Thunder offered him $30 million, luring him away from New York. Had the Knicks offered a longer contract in 2022, they could have retained Hartenstein with full Bird Rights in 2025.

Compounding their woes, Mitchell Robinson's injury left the Knicks with a severe shortage at center, just as they were heavily invested with five first-round picks through a trade involving Mikal Bridges. This led to a bold move: trading Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round pick for Karl-Anthony Towns. This shifted the Knicks' strategy towards an offensive powerhouse, but the results were underwhelming.

Without Hartenstein, their offensive rebounding advantage was lost. Despite improvements, the Knicks failed to achieve the exceptional offensive efficiency required to overcome their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly when Brunson and Towns were on the floor simultaneously. Throughout the postseason, the Knicks struggled to find a defensive and offensive balance, frequently exposed by opponents' scoring exploits.

The Knicks now face a critical offseason with three potential paths: bolstering their defense, enhancing their offense to compensate for defensive flaws, or breaking up the Brunson-Towns duo. Internal options, like starting Deuce McBride for better spacing, were barely tested. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s reluctance for lineup experimentation limited insights into potential effective combinations.

Mitchell Robinson’s role and health remain a focal point. Despite his postseason importance, his injury management poses a challenge in deploying him strategically. Although Brunson and Towns have showcased defensive functionality in other teams, New York’s lineup lacks the required cohesive elements and consistent spacing to harness their full potential.

Trade scenarios and free-agent signings add another layer of complexity. Moving key players like Josh Hart for strategic gains or seeking experienced yet realistic options like Russell Westbrook or Ben Simmons for depth poses tough decisions. The Knicks might also need to part ways with more assets to achieve a balanced, competitive roster.

The tumultuous playoff exit underscores the Knicks' precarious position. While there’s potential for championship contention, flawless execution in roster construction and strategic flexibility are paramount. The Knicks' brass has significant decisions ahead to steer the team towards the coveted title, weighing minor adjustments against sweeping changes.

Their loss of Hartenstein, albeit not a star, underscored the significance of roster depth and compatibility, emphasizing that every piece must align perfectly in a championship pursuit. The Knicks' journey hinges on these critical corrections and strategic foresight.