Superstar Nikola Jokic may be the best big man currently roaming the frontcourt in the association, but his own headman believes the OKC Thunder have a "really good" center of their own.
Following Sunday's first night of a back-to-back between Oklahoma City and the Denver Nuggets, a contest in which the hometown Thunder pulled away with a 127-103 victory, coach Michael Malone spoke glowingly about the two-headed monster of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, but specifically honed in on the latter's abilities and impact on the ball club.
Michael Malone speaks glowingly about Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein
"Isaiah's a really good player... He's a true center, allows Chet to play a little bit of the four. Isaiah's big, strong, a good rebounder, very good play-maker and a really nice addition for [the Thunder]," Malone said of Hartenstein.
As many may already be aware, Malone has an established relationship with Hartenstein dating back to the 2020-21 campaign, when the center was a member of the Nuggets roster.
Though his tenure out in the Mile High City was rather short-lived, as he lasted just 30 games before being shipped out to Cleveland that March, the 26-year-old has since admitted that his stint with Malone and Jokic proved to be quite impactful on his development as a player.
Now in first year with the Thunder and seventh in the NBA, it's undeniable that Hartenstein is putting forth a career season.
Through 43 games played, the big man finds himself posting new highs in points (10.9), rebounds (11.3), and assists (4.0) while swatting 1.0 blocks per game and shooting 57.6 percent from the field.
On top of this, he's also proven to be one of Oklahoma City's most effective two-way contributors, as he ranks fourth on the team in defensive rating (104.6), sixth in net rating (13.6), and third in overall win shares (5.2) out of those who have logged 40 or more games played on the year.
With him in the lineup, the Thunder boast a ridiculous winning percentage of roughly 88.37 with their record of 38-5.
Right from the jump, Hartenstein's addition to Oklahoma City's roster during last summer's free agency period was regarded as one of the "most impactful" moves of the offseason and, now eight months later, it's more than apparent that he's only managed to live up to the hyp with his on-court play.
Thunder faithful are well aware of how impressive and important of a player Isaiah Hartenstein is for OKC, and apparently, so, too, is Michael Malone.
Fortunately, both will see this first-hand during Monday night's rematch, as he has officially been made "available" on the league's official injury report.