1 Key attribute each offseason addition will bring to Thunder in 2024-25

Isaiah Hartenstein

The Thunder managed to get arguably the most highly sought-after big man in free agency this summer in Isaiah Hartenstein, as they plucked him off the open market on day two of the festivities with a three-year, $87 million deal.

Coming off a career season with the Knicks, the 26-year-old put up impressive per-game averages of 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 blocks through 75 outings, and only managed to up his level of play under the bright lights of their two-round playoff excursion with averages of 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and just shy of a block on 59.2 percent shooting from the floor and 50.0 percent from deep.

For months leading up to free agency, many viewed the big man as being an ideal target for Oklahoma City to pursue in free agency, with Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes pinpointing his abilities to defend the rim, gobble up boards, and distribute as major draws to a possible signing.

However, above all else, the most noteworthy skill he provides is his ability to properly utilize his size

Key skill: Size

While some may argue one's stature and build is not necessarily a skill set, it's the way in which he uses it to his advantage that really sets him apart from other rotational bigs and why he'll be a force to be reckoned with while running with the Thunder.

Standing at 7-foot-1 while weighing 250 pounds, the veteran brings a much-needed boost in the size department to their frontcourt that, even before last year's postseason, was a major concern by fans and pundits.

In the end, these concerns ultimately proved to be warranted, as they were manhandled by the bigger and stronger Dallas Mavericks.

From fearlessly taking on the likes of superstars like Joel Embiid to banging down low with quicker and more agile bigs like Myles Turner, Hartenstein could be argued as the ideal addition to coach Daigneault's featherweight lineup, and his presence alongside fellow 7-foot-1 big Chet Holmgren has the makings of being a truly lethal one-two punch down low.