Sam Vecenie of the Game Theory podcast believes the Oklahoma City Thunder have the best defense in the NBA. However, while discussing that belief with Bryce Simon, he shed light on a pressing issue that OKC fill face next summer: Losing Isaiah Hartenstein.
“Oklahoma City, at least until they lose Hartenstein next offseason,” Vecenie said. “Seemingly, in all likelihood, unless he takes a massive discount on what he would be able to get on the market, right? Or unless they’re willing to go supernova into the tax. Their tax bill would be completely fucking bonkers if they retained Hartenstein over $25 million, which is what he’ll be able to get on the market, in my opinion.”
With Hartenstein in the lineup, the Thunder’s defense is otherwordly. But unfrortunately for OKC he may not be around long-term.
Why could Thunder lose Isaiah Hartenstein?
The second apron spares no team. The Boston Celtics learned that the hard way this summer. They traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and were unable to re-sign Al Horford and Luke Kornet because of their quest to duck the second apron.
OKC is in a bit of a different position. They should be able to maintain the bulk of their core pieces, but some guys, like Hartenstein, could become too expensive to keep around, especially if they want a payday.
Hartenstein is one of the most underrated centers in the NBA on both ends of the court. His offensive game is impressive, but the interior presence he provides on the defensive end is where he truly shines.
Having that big of a presence under the basket has elevated the Thunder’s defense into what it is today, especially when paired with the perimeter presence of Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and the rest of the lineup.
Unfortunately, the same skills he uses to elevate the Thunder’s defense are the same ones that could get him paid next summer, forcing OKC to either rpay him and go deep into the luxury tax or lose him in free agency.
Vecenie believes that Hartenstein will eventually depart the Thunder because they won’t be able to pay him, especially considering how much money the rest of their roster makes. They could quickly run intot second apron problems, and letting Hartenstein walk could be the equivalent of Boston trading Holiday and Porzingis.
Without him, the Thunder will be left to find another big man to take his place, though Jaylin Williams could help in that regard.
For the time being, Hartenstein is helping the Thunder’s defense, but he may not be able to stick around much longer.