As the Oklahoma City Thunder gear up for the commencement of a promising NBA regular season, they find themselves confronting an early setback. The team announced on Thursday that they will head into the season without their recently-acquired center, Isaiah Hartenstein. The 7-foot center suffered a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand during a preseason matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
This untimely injury is a blow to a Thunder squad that has high expectations, especially after a successful 57-win campaign last season. Hartenstein, who inked a three-year, $87 million deal with the Thunder in July, bolsters the team's frontcourt with his multifaceted skill set. His contract includes a team option for the third year, underscoring the Thunder's long-term vision for his role in the team's strategy.
The impact of Hartenstein's absence will be felt keenly across several dimensions of the Thunder’s game. Renowned for his size, rebounding prowess, and playmaking from the top of the key, Hartenstein was expected to enhance the Thunder's versatility in the frontcourt. His adept screening and adaptability on the floor were vital components that the Thunder were eager to capitalize on, as they looked to integrate him into their lineup, especially in two-big schemes against challenging opponents like the Denver Nuggets and their MVP center, Nikola Jokic.
Thunder General Manager Sam Presti underscored the necessity of time for the new group to coalesce, stating, "We're going to need some time with this particular group, especially because we're not trying to wedge [Hartenstein and Caruso] in or have assumptions of how they're going to fit with certain players. We kind of have to allow that to take its course.” Presti's emphasis on a patient approach reflects the careful orchestration required for integrating new talents like Hartenstein into a cohesive unit.
Hartenstein's injury timeline suggests a re-evaluation in five to six weeks, potentially sidelining him for the first 18 games of the regular season. This absence could stretch an already thin frontcourt, as the Thunder are also dealing with injuries to Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams. Both players are set to be re-evaluated at the conclusion of the preseason, and their availability remains uncertain.
In light of these injuries, an opportunity may arise for Ousmane Dieng, a 6-foot-9 forward, to gain more significant minutes in the rotation. The Thunder might also explore the free-agent market, where Bismack Biyombo remains available after spending part of the previous season in Oklahoma City.
The team's journey into the regular season begins on October 24 with a matchup against the Denver Nuggets, an imposing test for the Thunder's current roster composition. The absence of Hartenstein postpones the chance to deploy potential two-big lineups designed to counterbalance the Nuggets’ substantial frontcourt advantage.
As the Thunder navigate the early challenges posed by these injuries, the adaptation and resilience of the roster will be critical. The focus will not only be on maintaining competitive play but also on ensuring that once Hartenstein and the other injured players return, the integration into the lineup will be seamless and effective. The journey to build synergy within the team continues, underscoring the dynamic nature of the NBA and the importance of depth and adaptability in the face of unforeseen adversities.