Arguably the primary mission for the OKC Thunder this summer will be to try and find a way to add size and extra physicality to their frontcourt rotation without sacrificing their preferred five-out scheme with Chet Holmgren manning the pivot.
While many may have their "dream" scenario to address such a need already in place heading into the upcoming summer months, Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes is simultaneously thinking up realistic and more plausible solutions to their rotational problem.
Recently, the seasoned writer suggested the idea of pursuing New York Knicks big Isaiah Hartenstein as a plausible way to shore up these aforementioned issues.
Isaiah Hartenstein tabbed as 'realistic' summer target for OKC Thunder
Citing his energizer-bunny play style and well-rounded skill set, Hughes seems to believe that a guy like Hartenstein could be an impending free agent who potentially possesses great value for this Thunder squad if brought aboard for next season.
"The disadvantages OKC faces for playing relatively small don't outweigh the benefits of the lineups with Chet Holmgren at the 5, but it wouldn't hurt to at least have the option to go bigger. Holmgren might even have enough perimeter skills to play some 4.Grant Hughes
A big hitting free agency who'd unlock those possibilities is Isaiah Hartenstein, who can impact games as a hustle guy, piles up blocks and steals and is an underrated passer."
ISAIAH HARTENSTEIN 😤😤😤
— NBA Germany (@NBA_de) May 15, 2024
17 Rebounds
7 Punkte
5 Assists pic.twitter.com/CznjWWgHaP
After putting forth a career-best regular season (7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 blocks), Hartenstein managed to take his game to an entirely new level under the bright lights of the 2024 NBA Playoffs for the Knickerbockers.
Though his counting stats remained relatively the same, as he wrapped up New York's two-round excursion with 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and just shy of a block per, his efficiency (shot 59.2 percent from the floor and 50.0 percent from distance) and brute-force, never surrender physicality were absolutely captivating and overall contagious for the ball club.
On top of his play, his 7-feet, 249-pound frame would be a welcomed addition to this Thunder frontcourt alongside the tall (7-foot-1) yet featherweight (207 pounds) Holmgren, as it would bring them a much-needed menacing force down low.
Assuming a signing would be in the $13-$15 million-per-year range, the prospect of bringing Isaiah Hartenstein to Oklahoma City is both plausible and could prove to be a paragon for the ball club.