RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe calendar has flipped to August. Which means we're in the annual drought in the NBA's year-round calendar. Don't expect much to happen over the next couple of months. Teams across the league are in vacation mode and just waiting for the 2026-27 season to start.
The Oklahoma City Thunder fell short of a second NBA championship, but remain in the meat of the title conversation. Bringing back mostly the same crew, expect them to be one of the league's top teams for a fourth straight year.
To prepare for the 2026-27 regular season, Thunder Wire will lay out three goals for all 17 players on the roster. OKC has 14 standard players and three two-way players. Let's look at Isaiah Hartenstein and what he could accomplish this upcoming year:
Flirt with double-double
Since Hartenstein arrived at the Thunder, he's been a double-double machine. Last season, his numbers fell to 9.2 points and 9.4 rebounds. It'll be interesting to see if he can creep those up to double-digit territory. Especially if he remains a full-time starter. He's enjoyed his best years in OKC. Both as an individual and with team success. Putting up monster numbers is just one way he demonstrates his value.
The Thunder have been a completely different team since Hartenstein joined them. And for the better. He's provided them a legitimate lob threat and play-finisher. Hence why his field-goal percentage is so high. The seven-footer has also helped OKC crash the glass. With an undersized roster, he's the difference between them getting beat up on the boards and holding their own.
Remain healthy
Not much to complain about Hartenstein's time in OKC through two seasons. I guess if you're going to pick something out, it's his durability. He's struggled to stay healthy in the regular season. He played 57 games in his first season and then 43 this past year. In the first year, a fractured hand sidelined him for about a month. In his second year, a nagging calf strain kept popping up throughout the year. That also explains why his minutes dropped to 24.2 this past season. As OKC remained cognizant of the muscle injury.
Thankfully, it hasn't cost Hartenstein in the NBA playoffs. He's suited up for every postseason game these last two years. That's where things really matter. But hey, maybe the 28-year-old is ready to finally enjoy a healthy regular season. The Thunder would certainly welcome it. He's quickly turned into one of the more important players. How they rebound entirely depends on his presence.
Help bench offense
For the first time in a couple of summers, the Thunder said goodbye to a few role players. Two notable departures were Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins. Because of that, there's going to be an adjustment period to how OKC plays with each other. Their exits open plenty of opportunities for the rest of the reserves. That's where Hartenstein can come in and shepherd things along.
The second-unit offense will need some time to figure out. Joe and Wiggins were staples for years. Especially considering Hartenstein's chemistry with the former in their two-man game. Now, the seven-footer has to develop a rapport with others. His playmaking is his top complementary skill. His DHO actions help muster up decent halfcourt offense. Now, his responsibilities increase a bit as they figure out what their bench rotation looks like.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: OKC Thunder 3 goals: Isaiah Hartenstein must remain double-double machine
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