Despite missing multiple key players for extended periods of time with injuries in consecutive seasons, the Oklahoma City Thunder are off to a historic 20-1 start.
All-NBA wing Jalen Williams missed the first 19 games, All-Defensive guard Luguentz Dort missed five games, bench microwave scorer Aaron Wiggins missed 11 games with an adductor strain for weeks, bench heart and soul veteran Kenrich Williams missed the first 18 games, and the do-it-all-unicorn Chet Holmgren missed time early in the season. Despite players being in and out of lineups, the Thunder have dominated teams throughout the season and are on pace to surpass the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors’ record-setting 73-9 season.
The unsung hero who has been crucial in anchoring the team in the absence of multiple key players is none other than Isaiah Hartenstein, who has played and started in the team’s first 19 games.
Yes, the infamous second-apron has been a death sentence for expensive rosters under the new CBA. With that being said… the Oklahoma City Thunder must keep Isaiah Hartenstein post 2026, for three key reasons:
Playmaking and Offensive Efficiency
Beyond his interior presence, Hartenstein is a high-IQ player whose skill set complements the Thunder players and system perfectly.Â
Connectivity: His ability to facilitate from the high post, consistently finding streaking cutters open in the paint, creating an easy source of offense for OKC. Statistics have shown Hartenstein is crucial to OKC’s offensive game plan as well. The Thunder has an offensive rating of 121.5 with him on the floor, compared to 116.8 without him.
Scoring Efficiency: His size and efficiency around the rim — as a roller, a lob threat, or utilizing his push shot — give the Thunder a viable option and safety outlet for any of the Thunder guards and wings on drives towards the basket. He’s in the midst of the best stretch of his career, averaging a career-high 12.2 points per game, while shooting a career-high 67% from the floor and 70% in the restricted area.
Effectiveness as a Screener: The most underrated aspect of Hartenstein’s game — his screen-setting. His ability to set hard-nosed screens is among the best in the NBA, as he creates a lot of space for the Thunder’s ball handlers to operate, which adds another layer to the offense.
After having a career year last season, Hartenstein looks better in every aspect this season. Retaining an entire championship roster with genuine chemistry has helped.
“He’s gained more and more chemistry with the guys, and an understanding of how to blend into this system and this team. The combination of those two things has him playing at a very high level,” Mark Daigneault on Hartenstein.
Paint Protection and Rebounding
Hartenstein provides a crucial physical presence and rim protection, which were CLEAR needs for the Thunder before his acquisition.
Anchoring the Paint: Since arriving in OKC, he has helped elevate the Thunder’s defense into an all-time one. His size and physicality have been vital in defending the paint, battling on the glass, and serving as an additional rim protector, which has benefited Chet Holmgren.
Rebounding: The Thunder went from a bottom-third rebounding team to a top ten since Hartenstein’s arrival. His rebounding provides extra possessions on offense (11.9% offensive rebounding percentage) and finishes possessions on defense (25.6% defensive rebounding percentage) — both the highest on the team — resulting in averaging a double-double in consecutive seasons, which has been one of the primary catalysts in becoming champions.
Perfect Team and Cultural Fit
Hartenstein has seamlessly integrated himself into the Thunder’s culture and system, quickly forming strong on-court chemistry with his teammates and a real connection off the court with the city of Oklahoma City (winning the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award).
Veteran Experience: He proved to be one of the missing pieces in the Thunder’s 2025 NBA Championship run, bringing his veteran and playoff experience into high-leverage situations.
Team-First Mentality: From the moment he set foot into Oklahoma City, he fully bought into the Thunder’s philosophy, which quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. His willingness to do a lot of the ‘dirty work’ that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet, with no ego, exemplifies why he was a seamless transition for the Thunder organization.
Play-style Versatility: Hartenstein’s comfortability operating in different lineups, whether it’s the double-big lineups with Holmgren or as the lone center, gives the Thunder more offensive flexibility, which adds another wrinkle to throw at opposing teams for Mark Daigneault.Â
Despite being overlooked given the depth and talent on the roster, Hartenstein continues to demonstrate his importance to the Thunder. The last two games are perfect examples of how the Thunder have really felt Hartenstein’s absence.
While the Thunder face potential issues retaining him long-term due to the ramifications of the second tax apron, his presence and contributions on both ends of the floor make him invaluable and a necessary piece for the Thunder’s dynasty aspirations.
Main Image: © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
