Injuries have plagued this Oklahoma City Thunder squad dating back to the preseason, and it hasn't gotten any better following the news surrounding Chet Holmgren. However, the squad seems to be getting a key player back that could change the trajectory of the rest of the season.
Ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein was changed to questionable instead of out. This is no guarantee that the big man will play, but is a great sign, as this could show he will return to play next week.
Things are starting to turn around for this young club, and Hartenstein could unlock everything OKC has been without the past few games.
Hartenstein solves one big problem the Thunder have been desperately needing and lacking a resolution to: Rebounding. Since Holmgren went down, and even while he was healthy, the Thunder have been one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, averaging 42.2 rebounds per game, which is 23rd in the league.
Usually, these stats correlate with other areas like blocks, but somehow Oklahoma City is ranked second in the league in blocks per game.
Isaiah Hartenstein upgraded from out to questionable
Hartenstein's interior presence will be felt once he comes back, whether that's against Portland, or an opponent in the next week. The defense can relax a little bit more, as they have their enforcer back to grab boards and contest shots.
Where his presence will be most effective is on offense, as this can open up lanes for OKC to go through.
The shooters on the squad, mainly Isaiah Joe and Alex Caruso, will benefit from Hartenstein's return. Caruso and Joe excel in catch-and-shoot situations but have struggled to get those opportunities without a big body to set off-ball screens for them.
With the former Knick returning, this allows the Thunder to play off screens, and get more open looks for their three-point threats. Not to mention, they can now run a pick and roll, which is bound to be effective with drivers like Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Hartenstein allows so many avenues to open up, both offensively and defensively, which can lead to victories against teams Oklahoma City lost to due to the lack of size in the paint.
One matchup that this could be shown against is when the Thunder travel to play the Golden State Warriors on November 27th. If not against Portland, then the clash with the Warriors could be a potential return date for the veteran center.
Whenever he does return, Hartenstein's impact will be felt and seen. It's nice for Thunder fans to finally have some good news, especially after a deflating loss in the previous matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.