Isaiah Hartenstein finally made his Oklahoma City Thunder debut after missing 15 games with a broken left hand. The Thunder signed him last summer to a three-year, $87 million contract with a team option for the final season. On Wednesday night, Hartenstein suited up against the Portland Trail Blazers and proved his worth.
Isaiah Hartenstein Is As Good As Advertised For The Thunder In His Debut
Hartenstein’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. Chet Holmgren’s hip injury on November 10 forced Oklahoma City to rely on small-ball lineups. Players like Ousmane Dieng, the only option taller than 6-foot-6, rarely saw the court. Jaylin Williams, the Thunder’s other viable big man, has missed the entire season with a hamstring strain.
Immediate Impact on the Court
With a statline of 13 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks in 29 minutes, Hartenstein showed why Oklahoma City invested in him. His presence immediately solved their rebounding struggles.
Hartenstein also demonstrated his two-way impact. His passing, often overlooked, added a new dimension to the Thunder’s offense. His defensive instincts helped anchor the interior, reducing the team’s reliance on fouling.
Through their first 15 games, OKC ranked 27th in offensive rebounding percentage, 30th in defensive rebounding percentage, and 26th in opponent free-throw rate. With Hartenstein on the floor, those numbers are already improving.
Fitting into the Thunder System
Adjustments will be necessary as the team adapts to Hartenstein’s style of play. His elite passing as a big man alters Oklahoma City’s spacing and offensive flow. However, his ability to create extra possessions and stabilize the defense should accelerate the team’s growth.
The Thunder have thrived early in the season, posting an 12-4 record with the league’s best defense and second-best net rating. Adding Hartenstein to that mix should make them even more formidable.
Planning for Holmgren’s Return
Hartenstein’s biggest challenge may come when Holmgren returns. Holmgren has excelled as the lone big man, and adjusting to playing alongside Hartenstein could take time.
The Thunder, however, can experiment with various lineups. They will try Holmgren as the sole center or a frontcourt pairing of the two. These combinations will help the team prepare for deeper postseason runs.
A Frontcourt Built for Success
The Thunder’s frontcourt pairing of Hartenstein and Holmgren offers long-term flexibility and value. Combined, their cap hits amount to $40.88 million this season. Hartenstein’s contract includes a two-year base and a team option for a third year. This setup ensures the Thunder control his future while avoiding salary cap pitfalls.
Holmgren, still on his rookie deal, earns $10.88 million this season. With both players under contract, Oklahoma City remains safely below the second salary cap apron for the foreseeable future.
The Thunder can explore multiple options with Hartenstein in the future. They could decline his team option and renegotiate a new deal, sign him to an extension, or use his Bird Rights to outbid any suitors in free agency.
A Promising Thunder Debut for Isaiah Hartenstein
Hartenstein’s debut marked the beginning of an exciting chapter for the Thunder. He solved immediate issues and showed his potential to elevate the team on both ends.
If Oklahoma City maximizes his fit alongside Holmgren, the Thunder could boast one of the league’s best frontcourts for years. With smart cap management and a commitment to development, Hartenstein and Holmgren might just be the foundation of Oklahoma City’s next dynasty.
