As Oklahoma City Thunder continues to build an impressive campaign this season, news of Isaiah Hartenstein's return from injury has come as a much-needed boon. The Thunder, boasting an 11-4 start with the league’s best defense and the second-best net rating, now sees one of its key players regaining fitness after a challenging start due to injuries.
Strengthening a Thin Frontline
Hartenstein, a vital acquisition for Oklahoma City during the offseason, had begun his stint with the team on a rocky note. Having signed a lucrative three-year, $87 million contract, with a team option for the final season, the proficient center was expected to play a pivotal role. However, a non-displaced fracture in his hand during a preseason game on October 15 sidelined him for the first 15 games of the season. His absence has certainly been felt in a team that prided itself on possessing one of the league's best passing bigs.
Now upgraded to "questionable" for the upcoming face-off against the Portland Trail Blazers, the 26-year-old’s potential return couldn’t be more timely. This development is particularly crucial, given that Chet Holmgren suffered a hip injury on November 10, further eating into the Thunder's big-man depth.
Recent Struggles in the Paint
Without Hartenstein, and amid Holmgrem's absence, Oklahoma City has struggled significantly in the rebounding department. They currently rank 26th in offensive rebounding percentage and a disheartening 29th in defensive rebounding percentage. Additionally, they sit at 28th in opponent free-throw rate, aspects where Hartenstein’s presence is expected to deliver immediate improvement.
In the interim, the role of the big man has chiefly fallen upon the 6-foot-10 Ousmane Dieng, who is the only other Oklahoma City player taller than 6-foot-6 to see recent court time. However, Dieng has played only five minutes across their last two matches, indicating the dire situation of Oklahoma City's frontcourt options. The team also misses the services of 6-foot-9 Jaylin Williams, who has been dealing with a hamstring strain and has not featured this season.
The Holmgren Factor
Chet Holmgren's impact has been palpable; however, his gameplay often sees him functioning without another big on the floor. This has allowed for a dynamic setup but has occasionally underscored the team's vulnerabilities when it comes to rebounding and interior defense. Holmgren’s current injury further emphasizes the necessity of Hartenstein's return to help balance player rotations and maintain their defensive prowess.
A Boost in Versatility
Hartenstein’s return is not just about bolstering the Thunder's defensive structure but also enhancing their offensive versatility. Known for his playmaking abilities, Hartenstein is considered one of the league’s premier passing centers. His capacity to facilitate the offense from the high post or elbow could potentiate an offense that has had to rely heavily on perimeter play in his absence.
This moment marks a pivotal test for Oklahoma City Thunder, integrating Hartenstein back into the lineup while navigating the challenges posed by key absences. As they prepare to take on Portland, all eyes will be on Hartenstein and how he meshes with a team that has thrived defensively yet shown cracks due to fatigue and positional shortages. For the Thunder, successfully reintegrating Hartenstein could be the key to sustaining their promising start and pushing deeper into the contenting conversation.