Isaiah Hartenstein’s debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder hit an early snag when the offseason acquisition suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left hand before the season opener against the Denver Nuggets.
The Thunder promptly announced their new center would need five to six weeks before a re-evaluation, putting their plans to utilize him on hold.
But there’s promising news on the horizon, with an encouraging update as the team prepared for its game against the Phoenix Suns.
“A couple of dunks by Hartenstein in his pregame warmups. He’s looked really good. Most active I’ve seen him be since he broke his hand,” Clemente Almanza of The Thunder Wire wrote on X.
A couple of dunks by Hartenstein in his pregame warmups. He’s looked really good. Most active I’ve seen him be since he broke his hand
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 15, 2024
The Thunder’s investment in Hartenstein with a three-year, $87 million commitment speaks volumes about their vision for the big man.
While the initial plan centered around pairing him with Chet Holmgren, Hartenstein’s value extends far beyond this frontcourt partnership.
His presence becomes even more crucial during Holmgren’s extended absence caused by recent a hip injury.
What makes Hartenstein particularly intriguing is his defensive versatility.
The former New York Knicks big man brings more than just traditional center skills to the court. Standing 7-foot, he’s naturally imposing around the rim and dominant on the boards.
But it’s his surprising agility that sets him apart. Hartenstein possesses an uncommon combination of quick footwork and basketball IQ, allowing him to effectively guard smaller players, a rare trait for someone his size.
Like Holmgren, Hartenstein’s ability to defend on the perimeter adds another dimension to the Thunder’s defensive scheme.
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