Isaiah Hartenstein’s debut with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder hit an early snag when the offseason acquisition suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left hand earlier than the season opener in opposition to the Denver Nuggets.
The Thunder promptly introduced their new heart would wish 5 to 6 weeks earlier than a re-evaluation, placing their plans to make the most of him on maintain.
However there’s promising information on the horizon, with an encouraging replace because the workforce ready for its recreation in opposition to 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 few dunks by Hartenstein in his pregame warmups. He’s regarded actually good. Most lively I’ve seen him be since he broke his hand
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 15, 2024
The Thunder’s funding in Hartenstein with a three-year, $87 million dedication speaks volumes about their imaginative and prescient for the massive man.
Whereas the preliminary plan centered round pairing him with Chet Holmgren, Hartenstein’s worth extends far past this frontcourt partnership.
His presence turns into much more essential throughout Holmgren’s prolonged absence attributable to latest a hip damage.
What makes Hartenstein significantly intriguing is his defensive versatility.
The previous New York Knicks large man brings extra than simply conventional heart expertise to the court docket. Standing 7-foot, he’s naturally imposing across the rim and dominant on the boards.
However it’s his stunning agility that units him aside. Hartenstein possesses an unusual mixture of fast footwork and basketball IQ, permitting him to successfully guard smaller gamers, a uncommon trait for somebody his dimension.
Like Holmgren, Hartenstein’s capability to defend on the perimeter provides one other dimension to the Thunder’s defensive scheme.
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