Key Highlights
During the second round of the playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder had a plus-5.3 net rating with Chet Holmgren on the floor and a minus-15.0 net rating when he was on the bench. The Thunder finished 27th in offensive rebounding rate last season, while Isaiah Hartenstein ranked in the 92nd percentile individually in that category. Hartenstein was also in the 70th percentile in assist rate among big men, according to Cleaning the Glass.
Aside from their offense struggling in the playoffs, the Thunder’s inability to perform well without Chet Holmgren on the court was a major issue during their second-round defeat to the Dallas Mavericks. To address this, the Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million deal in free agency. Hartenstein’s strong play last season for the New York Knicks showed that he is more than just a backup center. His defense, playmaking, screening, and rebounding make him one of the league’s better centers.
While Holmgren is a promising young talent, Hartenstein’s arrival will provide the Thunder with high-level center play for a full 48 minutes. This ensures that either Holmgren or Hartenstein is on the court at all times. Hartenstein’s presence is expected to secure him a spot in the starting lineup, with either Luguentz Dort or Alex Caruso coming off the bench. Caruso’s injury history may lead to Dort starting at shooting guard, despite Caruso being the more skilled player.
The Thunder’s playoff struggles highlighted their poor on-ball passing and lack of playmaking. Hartenstein’s passing ability, particularly as a big man, will provide a new dimension to the Thunder’s offense. His presence may lead to adjustments in the team’s offensive approach, potentially moving Holmgren to power forward to create more mismatches. Additionally, Hartenstein’s screening prowess will make life easier for the team’s playmakers, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Overall, Hartenstein’s addition brings a new dynamic to the Thunder’s offense, potentially increasing their scoring around the basket and helping improve their three-point volume. His passing, screening, and off-ball movement are skills that will benefit the team in various ways, making him a valuable asset on the court.
