Stephon Marbury Creates 'Stretch-Six' Term

Stephon Marbury is quite the character. The former New York Knicks guard recently commented on Isaiah Hartenstein. Although Hartenstein left the Knicks for a significant payday with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Knicks fans still hold the center in high regard in light of his timely playoff performances. Marbury praised Hartenstein in his peculiar way.

“He’s not a center. No! Big fella is a stretch six! He’s not a five and he’s not a four," Marbury said of Hartenstein on Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson's Scoop B Radio Podcast.

Hartenstein has made 27 3-point shots in six seasons. Although he's technically stretched the floor, it's seldom happened. Nonetheless, Marbury's praise of the center resonates with Knicks fandom.

Hartenstein's offensive rebound in Game 2 of the opening playoff round vs. the Philadelp[hia 76ers saved the Knicks from a 1-1 start, which could have ended horribly for the Jalen Brunson-led team.

While the Knicks would have liked to keep Hartenstein, the front office focused on trading for Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby. Ultimately, Hartenstein earned quite a raise by signing a three-year contract worth $87 million.

Both parties won their respective free agencies.

Related: Brunson 'Won Big Time' Says Marbury

“He’s a winner and he’s going to do well," Marbury said, sending off the Knicks fan-favorite with a vote of confidence.

The Knicks seek another successful season. They finished with the two-seed for the 2023-24 campaign. However, unlike last year's disappointing Game 7 defeat in the Eastern Conference semifinal, New York aims to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since the 1998-99 lockout season.

Perhaps they'll reunite with Hartenstein in the NBA Finals.