Hartenstein learned how to play the center role from Mitch Robinson, not Thibs.
Thibs gave Hartenstein 14 to 19 minutes of playing time a game, and 4 shot attempts a game to average 5 pts, and 6 rebounds throughout his first season as a Knicks. IHart did his best to perform just like Mitch Robinson on offense/defense by protecting the rim and grabbing offensive-rebounds, it took IHart practically 2 seasons of Mitch tutorship, and with the season injury to Mitch, IHart playing time increased to 25 minutes a game to become a 8 pts, 8 reb center, plus IHart's IQ & offense/defense hustle grow to become one of the NBA top backup centers in the 2023-24 midseason games.
However, we all know the Knicks would not have beat the Embiid 76ers in a playoff series without Mitch Robinson on the court. Even Hartenstein knows that.
We should all know Randle's only on the court/off the court teammate friends were Payton & RJ Barrett.
Before Randle committed to surgery he worked-out at the Knicks practice center for three weeks (alone) no teammates or coaches (In March/April). In the past 4 seasons Randle always worked out with Payton or Barrette at the practice center. That was the biggest clue of Randle dividing himself from the Nova-Trio and Thibs during the midseason games by not attending any of the Knicks team practice sessions physically or verbally.
Obi Toppin is the complimentary role player that makes his teammates look good.