3. Lineup flexibility
Options, options, options.
That's what Mark Daigneault has on his hands with the addition of Hartenstein. Last season, Hartenstein started just 49 of the 75 games he appeared in with New York, but, when his time was called in the postseason, he stepped into a larger role and started all 13 playoff games.
It will be interesting to see how coach Daigneault experiments with lineups that include Harteinstein, and whether he decides to start him or bring him off the bench. With another offseason acquisition in Alex Caruso also receiving buzz to potentially start, there are so many different variations of OKC we could see next season.
He may begin his stint with the Thunder off the bench, as the team leans towards Chet Holmgren playing the five and protecting the rim.
It will also be very interesting to see if the coaching staff decides to stagger the minutes of Hartenstein and Holmgren, or whether they choose to play them alongside each other in spurts for elite rim protection while not sacrificing spacing with Holmgren's perimeter shooting.
Hartenstein was just one of three players to have at least 85 blocks and 85 steals last season, and he offers so much defensive potential to an already elite defensive team.
Big Hart block turns into a Quickley 3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/FxJeaGplFc
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 25, 2023
It will become clear that the team will be comfortable with Hartenstein playing as the lone big, as he can rebound but also defend at the same level as guys already on the roster.
The fit of Hartenstein on the Thunder is one that seems perfect on paper and should follow suit with the eye test.
As the offseason rolls around and the regular season approaches, there will be more clarity surrounding whether he earns the start or begins his time in a Thunder jersey as a key reserve.
Either way, there's no doubt he will provide a major impact on this team as it looks to contend.