OKC Thunder lose key player for extended period with hand fracture

Nov 20, 2010; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder logo on a players shorts during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center. The Thunder defeated the Bucks 82-81. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Oklahoma City Thunder will have to begin the 2024-25 season without one of their biggest offseason additions.

The Thunder announced on Thursday that center Isaiah Hartenstein has suffered a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand. Hartenstein will now be re-evaluated in five-to-six weeks with the injury, which occurred in the second half of Tuesday’s preseason game against the Denver Nuggets.

The 26-year-old Hartenstein as one of OKC’s two major acquisitions this summer, along with guard Alex Caruso. As a true seven-footer who can finish at an elite clip around the rim, dominate the offensive glass, and defend the interior, Hartenstein was a standout performer for the New York Knicks last year, posting 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.

With the Thunder lacking a true big man last season outside of Chet Holmgren, the addition of Hartenstein was a much-needed one. But with the season now set to begin in one week, OKC may be without Hartenstein for their first 20 or so games. They will need to roll with Holmgren at the 5 and the 6-foot-5 Jalen Williams at the 4 again and (might even have to consider circling back to this old frontcourt trade target ).

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