Ready to cash out the biggest paydays of his career, Isaiah Hartenstein aims to help the Oklahoma City Thunder become the best in the NBA. After assembling the best campaign of his career in 2023, the 26-year-old was rewarded with a three-year, $87 million contract, making him one of the highest earners on the Thunder roster and among players at his position.
Isaiah will look to patch up a couple of significant holes for the team last season. Among the bottom three teams in the association in rebounding, the Thunder’s troubles on the backboards culminated in a grueling postseason exit at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks.
But now, things are heading in a completely different direction. With the offensive and defensive versatility, hustle, and shot-blocking the big man delivers, he is set to skyrocket his status in the league next season, playing for a title contender.
I-Hart is one of the best fifth options
Immediately after he signed with OKC, questions about his role and fit with the team began trickling out. Even now, Hartenstein’s role with his new team is unclear. While the Thunder are confident in his ability to mesh with stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and, especially, Chet Holmgren, the bigger question is if he’ll be a starter or a bench player.
Regardless of how the Thunder utilize their star center next season, he is a weapon that opponents will need to account for. Recently, Yahoo Sports’ Ben Rohrbach put together a list of the NBA’s best “No. 5 options.” This ranking completes the series and the four entries before it, which ranked the best No. 1 through No. 4 options. Oklahoma City was well-represented in these rankings, with Gilgeous-Alexander seeing the No. 4 slot on the list of top No. 1 options.
So, what even qualifies as a No. 5 option in the NBA? Unlike the top three guys, who are the first, second, and third-best scoring options, the fourth and fifth guys on the team are glorified role players who play a pivotal role. Hartenstein will be OKC’s chief rebounder and rim-protector. In contrast, Alex Caruso, whom the Thunder added via trade in June, was recognized among the best No. 4 options in the NBA, mostly because of his perimeter shooting and defense. His experience and cache likely gave him the edge over Hartenstein.
However, Isaiah earned a high mark on Yahoo Sports’ list of best fifth options. The big man was ranked second, lagging behind Derrick White of the defending champion Boston Celtics.
“Hartenstein was one of the NBA's best defensive players last season, protecting the rim and surviving in space — mostly because he knew where to be before his opponent did. His shooting range is limited to an occasional midrange jumper, but his passing adds a dimension to an efficient offensive repertoire. His statistics may not reflect his three-year, $87 million contract until you realize OKC is getting this per-36 minutes from its fifth starter: 11.1 points (64.4 FG%), 11.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.6 blocks,” Rohrbach wrote .
The pressure is on for the former New York Knicks center to perform in 2024. On top of living up to a max contract, he is viewed as the missing link in the Thunder’s championship puzzle, which is a massive label for anyone to carry.
For the first time in his relatively short career, the 26-year-old will have the opportunity to shine on a legitimate title contender. Alongside Holmgren — a fellow rising star center — in the frontcourt, OKC can potentially unveil a blueprint that few teams will be able to overcome.
Related: OKC has one of the best second-round picks in the league
Local News
Comments / 0