OKC Thunder: 3 economical free agents Sam Presti should target
By Karan Jain
OKC Thunder free agent target No. 2: Isaiah Hartenstein
After a promising career in Europe, Isaiah Hartenstein was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2017. As a second, third-string center for a team that liked to play small quite a bit, Hartenstein did not get much playing time. After being called up from the G-League in 2019 he averaged less than 10 minutes per game in his varsity Rockets stint.
After backing up League MVP Nikola Jokic for the first part of the 2020-21 season, Hartenstein had his true breakout in the last two months of last season while getting a career-high 18 minutes per game in his short run with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In the 16 game stretch towards the end of the season, the 2019 G-league champion would average 17 points, 12.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals per 75 possessions (around the average possessions a starter plays). He did this with great shooting efficiency of 62 percent true shooting.
These impressive statistics can be validated by Harnetstein’s skillset. The German’s efficient scoring comes largely through his great touch at the rim and finishing ability as he’s a career 67 percent scorer from within 3 feet and was 73 percent from that range in his short Cavs stint. Most of Isaiah’s scoring comes from cuts to the basket, pick and rolls mixed with a few short mid-range shots.
In a bigger role, the 23-year-old Hartenstein showcased his passing ability with the Cavs especially making some brilliant reads from the post. His playmaking potential is sky-high which can be a highly valuable trait for a modern NBA offense.
While far from polished or refined, Hartenstein could be groomed to become an above-average defender. He’s already a great shot-blocker who has solid defensive tendencies and instincts. The OKC Thunder could offer him constancy in his role and minutes which could equate to a perfect fit.