Isaiah Hartenstein says leaving Knicks for Thunder was perfect decision for everyone

OKLAHOMA CITY — Isaiah Hartenstein played his former team Friday on a production binge with the Thunder.It was one of those rare instances when it actually worked out for both sides.Oklahoma City got Hartenstein, plucking him away for a free agency price that seemed exorbitant but already looks like a steal.

The Knicks took a pivot to Karl-Anthony Towns, who is on a trajectory to starting in the All-Star Game.“It was smart,” Hartenstein said before tipoff.“I think it was for both parties, it was perfect.

I’m in a situation here where it’s going really good.They got a great center, one of the best centers in the league.

So I think for both parties it was perfect.Knowing Leon Rose, he’ll always find something.

He’s been doing a great job, so he made the right adjustment.”After recovering from a broken hand sustained in preseason, Hartenstein’s return coincided immediately with a ridiculous stretch of 17 victories over 18 games.He filled the starting spot vacated by the injured Chet Holmgren and immediately flourished.Heading into Friday night, Hartenstein’s average production was up in virtually every statistical category — including points (12.6, up from 7.8 last season), rebounding (12.2, up from 8.3), assists (3.9, 2.5) and minutes (29.7, up from 25.3).There are no regrets about leaving the Knicks for more money.“I think I’m getting the ball a little bit more now.

In the league, you just have to find your roles and every situation your role is different,” he said.“Kind of New York it was [different].

My usage went up more at the end, but I was just trying to figure out a role and that was playing defense, rebounding, getting Jalen [Brunson] open, getting other guys open looks.And so I think you just have to adjust to the role.

Here the role is getting the ball a little bit more.”Losing Hartenstein created a domino effect that led to the seismic Towns trade.Hartenstein’s departure — plus Mitchell Robinson’s injury setba...