3 Surprising playoff standouts the 76ers should pursue in free agency
2. Isaiah Hartenstein
To cut to the chase, journeyman center Isaiah Hartenstein has been a fate-changing revelation for New York this season, literally emerging as a starting-caliber center for Tom Thibodeau’s crew and eventually usurping former starter Mitchell Robinson thanks to his wildly effective play on both ends of the court.
Having said that, Hartenstein’s free agency situation could prove to be a tricky trek for the Knicks. The soon-to-be 26-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent, and New York’s lofty commitment to Robinson could back them into a corner if they fail to find a taker for the latter, who is oft-injured.
Now, why would Philadelphia do exactly that when they already have Joel Embiid on the roster? Well, the 76ers also have to start seriously cutting the MVP’s load moving forward to preserve and lengthen his career. And having a starter-level to back him up and assume a bigger robe when needed would be a hell of a luxury for the franchise as a whole.