Oklahoma Metropolis’s massive offseason appears to be like like a critical house run 30 video games into the younger NBA season. The Thunder did not must make any massive strikes, however went all-in on successful performs now. It is apparent, and although we’re nonetheless early within the season, these strikes appear to have pushed the Thunder excessive.
Each Alex Caruso And Isaiah Hartenstein had a big impact on this younger crew. However contemplating the Thunder’s harm scenario and front-court turnover a season in the past, Hartenstein’s presence is as impactful as any participant within the NBA.
The massive man signed a 3-year, $87 million contract this summer time to assist Oklahoma Metropolis win a championship. At first look, which may have appeared extreme for a middle who averaged 7.8 factors and began solely half of his crew’s video games. However the Thunder knew precisely what he would deliver to this crew and the function he would fill. The entrance workplace’s imaginative and prescient proved appropriate and Hartenstein appears to be like just like the lacking piece for this Thunder crew. He is value each penny of this massive contract.
Hartenstein is reaching profession highs in virtually each statistical class, with 12.6 factors, 12.8 rebounds and three.7 assists. He is additionally capturing 59.3 % from the ground and his floater has been an enormous weapon for the Thunder. His latest streak is likely to be his most spectacular. The massive man has recorded 5 straight double-doubles, together with eight of his final 9.
Not solely is that this signing an amazing match for the Thunder, however it’s additionally an amazing match for Hartenstein’s particular person profession. He now has 12 double-doubles this season, which is already probably the most he has ever achieved in a season all through his profession. He solely performed 15 video games this season, however made a big impact.
This has undoubtedly been Hartenstein’s finest season so far, and it is also one of many Thunder’s Huge Man’s finest seasons in latest reminiscence. This has been the proper offseason signing.
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