NBA: 4 encouraging signs for four underrated players to end 2021-22

Immanuel Quickley (Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)
Immanuel Quickley (Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Isaiah Hartenstein (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Isaiah Hartenstein’s career revival

At one point last season, it looked like Isaiah Hartenstein might be on his way out of the NBA after a forgettable stint as Nikola Jokic’s backup with the Denver Nuggets.

Then came a 16-game stint at the end of the season with the young and struggling Cleveland Cavaliers that Hartenstein used to his advantage to propel himself to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Los Angeles Clippers to backup Ivica Zubac.

While Hartenstein is only averaging around 16 minutes per game, the Clippers are +6.2 points per 100 possessions better with Hartenstein on the court for them this season, per CleaningTheGlass.

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Hartenstein’s vision as a passer (6.3 assists per 100 possessions) along with his defensive ability give the Clippers a very solid backup plan at center if something happens to Zubac this postseason.