The OKC Thunder had an incredible roster that would help them win the 2025 NBA Championship.
Shy Gilgaus Alexander claimed the final MVP trophy for his brilliance against the Indiana Pacers, but there were key performances from players like Chet Holmglen, Jalen Williams and several other role players in the OKC Thunder.
The team has one of the most elite defensive units in the league, which Alex Caruso has been pinned down, and has featured two 20-point games in the NBA Finals.
Holmgren was criticised for his poor outing in several games, but he showed up in Game 7 when his team needed him the most.
Meanwhile, Williams, who endured a wrist injury even before the playoffs, managed to get the Thunder to win with a great performance throughout the postseason.
However, La Lakers player Lebron James believes there is another important weapon that has helped lightning considerably.
Isaiah Hertenstein was a free agency move from his final offseason, urging him to become a favorite to win all the lightning.
His campaign began late due to injuries, but from the moment he took court for lightning it was clear that the centre would become an important piece for them.
From his defense to passing, OKC benefited a lot from his presence in the court.
Speaking about the “Mind the Game” podcast, James pointed out why Hartenstein became the key player for the Thunder. He states: “We now have a physical increase in the game, especially in the postseason, and we can get bigger like hubs.
“We know he can do it with their best. You can do chase with him. Now he’s one of the best screensetters in the league and now Shy comes out or J-Dub is off.
“You have that hub there and you have five that can play all the way from the 3-point line to paint, and like you said, he doesn’t even need to shoot three times. He knows his game.
Steve Nash also chose Hartenstein as his key player in the Thunder Championships.
He states: “For me, the key is Hartenstein. The cause of the game is like a fulcrum or hub.
Sam Presty praised Hartenstein along with Caruso in a postseason interview, and praised the two veterans for their contributions.
Hartenstein in particular came to lightning after a successful time with the New York Knicks.
He was one of the best rebound bigs in the league, but Hartenstein proved to be more than that in his first season with the Thunder.
The 27-year-old was in the league for seven years before moving to OKC, but last season was the best ever.
He averaged 11.7 ppg, 10.7 rpg and 3.8 APG.
After winning the championship, the Thunder became repeated as a champion.
They have already signed Gilgeous-Alexander a big money extension, and Holmgren and Williams expect to agree to the deal soon.
Hartenstein remains on his contract for two more years, with the final year being a team option.
He becomes the player the Thunder is trying to maintain their roster.