Isaiah Hartenstein has quickly established himself as a vital player for the Oklahoma City Thunder since joining the team in 2024. Known for his rebounding, screen-setting, and effective floater, Hartenstein has exceeded expectations and contributed significantly to the Thunder's success over the past two seasons. As the team looks to develop internally this season, Hartenstein's potential to expand his game could be crucial for the Thunder's offensive strategy moving forward.
Despite some uncertainty surrounding his contract, it seems likely that Hartenstein will remain with the Thunder next season. His importance was particularly evident during the Western Conference Finals, where his presence provided the team with additional depth against formidable opponents like Victor Wembanyama. However, one area where Hartenstein could improve is his outside shooting, which became a noticeable limitation during the playoffs.
In the opening game against the Spurs, Hartenstein primarily played when Wembanyama was off the floor, highlighting the need for him to develop as an outside shooting threat. While he played a critical role in the series, particularly in rebounding and defense, his lack of floor spacing options limited the Thunder's offensive versatility. In the decisive moments of Game 7, Hartenstein found himself on the bench as Jaylin Williams took on a more prominent role, showcasing the importance of being able to stretch the floor.
Hartenstein's shooting struggles have become a talking point, as he has yet to make a three-pointer during his time with the Thunder. However, he has shown the ability to shoot from distance in the past, having had decent shooting percentages with the LA Clippers and New York Knicks. While it may be unrealistic to expect him to become a league-average shooter overnight, adding a reliable corner three or demonstrating a willingness to shoot from beyond the arc could significantly benefit the Thunder's offense.
As the Thunder prepare for the upcoming season, it will be essential for Hartenstein to explore his outside shooting capabilities. With the team focused on development and improvement, unlocking this aspect of Hartenstein's game could provide a new dimension to their offensive strategy as they aim for success in the 2027 playoffs. The upcoming preseason games will be a crucial opportunity for Hartenstein to showcase his growth and readiness to contribute in this area.