The Oklahoma City Thunder have made a significant move in bolstering their frontcourt by agreeing to a three-year, $87 million deal with New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein.
Hartenstein’s Impact and Performance
Last season, Hartenstein emerged as a pivotal player for the Knicks, appearing in 75 games and averaging 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. His role expanded to starting after center Mitchell Robinson suffered ankle injuries during portions of the season. Hartenstein’s versatility and ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories made him a valuable asset on the court.
Oklahoma City’s Playoff Run and Needs
Oklahoma City concluded last season with the best record in the Western Conference and advanced to the Western Conference semifinals, ultimately losing in Game 6 to the Dallas Mavericks. Despite their success, the Thunder identified rebounding as an area needing improvement, ranking 27th in rebounds per game (42 rpg) and 28th in rebound percentage (48.4%) during the regular season. In the playoffs, they slightly worsened in both categories, highlighting the need for enhancement in their frontcourt presence.
Addressing Rebounding Issues
By acquiring Hartenstein, the Thunder aim to address their rebounding deficiencies. His ability to secure rebounds and contribute defensively will complement the team’s existing lineup, which includes prominent figures like Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Jaylin Williams. This frontline rotation provides Oklahoma City with substantial size and strength as they pursue success in the competitive Western Conference.
The Oklahoma City Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million deal, including two fully guaranteed years worth $58.5 million and a team option Year 3 worth an additional $28.5 million, league sources told @hoopshype. Contract starts at $30 million and descends. pic.twitter.com/hmACiV7eEj
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 6, 2024
Offensive Efficiency and Growth
Hartenstein’s offensive impact is underscored by his increased free-throw rate, jumping from 21.7 attempts per 100 shots in the 2022-23 season to 43.0 attempts per 100 shots this past season. This improvement was the most significant among 262 players with at least 200 field goal attempts in each of the last two seasons. His ability to draw fouls and convert from the free-throw line adds a crucial dimension to Oklahoma City’s offensive strategy.
Versatility and Role Expansion
At 26 years old, Hartenstein is recognized as one of the league’s top role players, known for his mobility, passing ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive contributions. His expanded role with the Knicks during their playoff run, culminating in a Game 7 appearance in the Eastern Conference semifinals, further solidified his reputation as a dependable and versatile player.
Thunder’s Offseason Moves and Future Outlook
In addition to acquiring Hartenstein, the Thunder were active in the 2024 NBA Draft, selecting Nikola Topic with the 12th overall pick and making strategic trades to strengthen their roster. Earlier in the offseason, Oklahoma City bolstered its backcourt by trading Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls for All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso, signaling their commitment to enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Final Thoughts and Expectations
The signing of Isaiah Hartenstein represents a pivotal move for the Oklahoma City Thunder, addressing critical needs in their frontcourt and enhancing their competitiveness in the Western Conference. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the integration of Hartenstein alongside key players and newcomers will be instrumental in their pursuit of playoff success and further development of their roster.