The exit of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Western Conference semi-finals with the Dallas Mavericks last season brought a clear weakness in roster construction.
Dallas Big Mendelek Lively II and Daniel Gaford ruled the paint and bullyed the Thunder’s small frontcoat throughout the series.
The Oklahoma City front office recognized this fatal flaw and made a decisive move during the offseason. They signed Isaiah Hartenstein on a three-year, $87 million deal to address the most pressing needs with proven playoff performers.
The investment pays an immediate dividend, and Hartenstein has emerged as the cornerstone of the Thunder’s Western Conference Finals run.
Hartenstein’s transition from New York to Oklahoma City is seamless, with the Veteran Center posting career-high statistics across multiple categories.
He averaged 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists during the regular season.
His influence goes far beyond traditional box score metrics. Hartenstein’s ability to pass, rebound and defend as a mobile big man changed the Thunder’s offensive and defensive scheme.
Last season, along with the Knicks, Hartenstein appeared in 75 games, moving from reserve to starter after an ankle injury to Mitchell Robinson.
His playoff experience in the Eastern Conference semi-finals in New York proved an invaluable preparation for Oklahoma City’s championship aspirations.
Defensively, Hartenstein fixed the Thunder interior presence through playoff runs. His rim protection was elite, making his enemies fire only 48.3% within six feet of the basket.
His most impressive defensive showcase came during the semi-finals against Denver. There, he successfully neutralized three MVP Nicola Djokic in key moments.
In Game 4, Jokic managed three-tenths of filming when Hartenstein served as primary defender.
This defensive versatility is important in the Western Conference Finals, where Hartenstein faces the challenge of containing players like Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle.
Thunder’s decision to commit a large amount of money to Hartenstein examined the front office’s strategic vision.
His integration tackles the flaws of previous rebounds, adding less noticeable frontcourt depth during last season’s playoff disappointment.
With Hartenstein on the team, Oklahoma City can face Western conference opponents head-on, but that’s fine. When it comes to size, they are no longer at a disadvantage.
And with the Thunder moving towards the championship, it seems like the investment in players who did well in the playoffs is really paying off.