Image Source: NBA.com
[Saba Sports News] The Oklahoma City Thunder will start the 2024-25 season without one of their key offseason additions. The team announced that center Isaiah Hartenstein has suffered a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand during Tuesday’s preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. He will be re-evaluated in five to six weeks.
Hartenstein, 26, was one of OKC’s major acquisitions this summer, along with guard Alex Caruso. Known for his size and ability to finish around the rim, rebound, and defend, Hartenstein had a strong season with the New York Knicks, averaging 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.
His addition was crucial for the Thunder, who lacked a true big man outside of Chet Holmgren last season. With Hartenstein out for potentially the first 20 games, OKC will likely rely on Holmgren at center and Jalen Williams at power forward again.