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.