The Oklahoma City Thunder’s
blazing 22-5 start to the season has put them atop in the NBA once
again following a 1st seed finish from last year. While Shai
Gilgeous-Alexander and his MVP campaign is garnering much of the
spotlight, a key piece in the Thunder’s puzzle has been the
unassuming yet impactful Isaiah Hartenstein. Acquired in the
offseason to shore up the team’s frontcourt, Hartenstein has been a
revelation, proving that his addition could be the missing
ingredient in the Thunder’s Western Conference semifinals loss to
the Dallas Mavericks last season and their eventual rise to claim
the NBA title.

Last season, Hartenstein was a
pivotal part of the New York Knicks’ run to the Eastern Conference
semifinals. His chemistry with Knicks star Jalen Brunson was the
highlight of their postseason push with Hartenstein’s screening,
passing, and hustle plays complementing Brunson’s scoring and
playmaking. This experience has seamlessly translated to Oklahoma
City, where he’s brought the same energy and skill set to elevate
the Thunder’s overall performance this year.

Hartenstein’s contributions are
essential to the Thunder’s success, with several career-highs
posted this season. He’s currently averaging 12.5 points, 12.8
rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting an
efficient 58.2% from the field in 30 minutes played per game – a
career-high. Among centers logging at least 25 minutes per game,
Hartenstein’s 4.8 screen assists per contest rank in the top five
league-wide, highlighting his ability to create opportunities for
his teammates.

Defensively, Hartenstein has
anchored the Thunder’s interior over the past 10 games, holding
opponents to just 48.3% shooting within six feet of the basket—a
mark that places him among the top rim protectors in the league.
His impact on the defensive end extends beyond shot-blocking; he’s
a master at positioning, consistently deterring drives and forcing
opponents into tough mid-range attempts.

Rebounding has been a glaring
issue for the Thunder in recent seasons. Last year, the team ranked
28th in rebounding percentage, often losing the battle on the
boards in critical moments. Enter Hartenstein. With his presence in
the paint, OKC has vaulted to 12th in rebounding percentage this
season, a dramatic improvement that’s directly tied to his ability
to crash the glass on both ends of the floor.

Hartenstein’s offensive
rebounding has been particularly valuable. He’s averaging 3.2
offensive boards per game, creating numerous second-chance
opportunities for the Thunder’s perimeter
shooters. 

What truly sets Hartenstein
apart from traditional big men is his playmaking ability. His 3.9
assists per game rank 4th among centers, trailing only Nikola
Jokic, Domantas Sabonis, and Bam Adebayo. Hartenstein’s high-post
passing has added a new dimension to the Thunder’s offense,
allowing them to exploit mismatches and keep defenses guessing.
Whether it’s a backdoor cut to Williams or a quick handoff to
Gilgeous-Alexander, Hartenstein’s decision-making has been
instrumental in generating quality looks.

OKC’s offense is also benefiting
from his uncanny knack for timing and spacing. His ability to set
rock-solid screens and quickly dive to the rim has made him a
perfect complement to the Thunder’s dynamic guards. The synergy
between Hartenstein and Gilgeous-Alexander has been particularly
noteworthy, with the duo combining for 1.14 points per
pick-and-roll possession—a figure that ranks among the league’s
elite pairings.

With Chet Holmgren returning
from injury, the Thunder now have the potential to field one of the
league’s most versatile frontcourts. Hartenstein’s high basketball
IQ, defensive positioning, and playmaking ability make him an ideal
partner for Holmgren in two-big lineups. 

While Holmgren’s shot-blocking
and perimeter shooting stretch the floor and protect the rim,
Hartenstein’s physicality and low-post presence can complement
those skills, creating a dynamic interior duo. Additionally, in
single-big lineups, the two can alternate seamlessly depending on
matchups, with Holmgren’s mobility excelling against quicker
lineups and Hartenstein’s toughness thriving against traditional
big men. Together, they provide OKC with flexibility, balance, and
depth in their quest for a championship.

As the Thunder continue their
push for the top seed in the West, Hartenstein’s role will only
grow in significance. With marquee matchups against the league’s
best bigs looming, his defensive prowess and playmaking will be put
to the test. His ability to fill gaps on both ends of the floor has
given the Thunder a level of balance and consistency they’ve lacked
in previous seasons. 

In a Western Conference brimming
with elite big men, Hartenstein has quietly held his own, ensuring
that the Thunder remain competitive in the paint every night
despite being without Chet Holmgren as of the moment. If his
performances thus far are any indication, Hartenstein is more than
capable of rising to the occasion.