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Isaiah Hartenstein Is Elevating His Game For OKC

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Paul Daniel Flores | Last updated Nov 5, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder is enjoying a hot start to a season once more. It cannot be denied that the defending champions are showing a lot of grit and confidence one match after another. Through their strong 7-0 start, Isaiah Hartenstein has continued to prove his worth.

There’s no disrespect to Chet Holmgren in that regard. Hartenstein has been showing that he can anchor the paint with his dominating presence and rebounding. So far, it has helped Oklahoma City emerge as the best team in the league, and it continues to do so. Despite not being at full strength, the team continues to shine on the big stage with all their might.

Isaiah Hartenstein Is Elevating His Game For OKC

So far, Hartenstein’s heightened level of play says a lot about what the season has been for the Thunder. He is compensating for the team’s lack of strength and size. The 27-year-old is well within the OKC core’s age range, which only makes him a more promising fit. With the way he’s rolling, the center could find a much bigger role in the games to come.

It’s Isaiah Hartenstein Day in OKC.

Sam Presti spoke on Hart after the season: “I gotta say this.. I haven’t seen a player become more ingrained in the community this quickly than Isaiah.” pic.twitter.com/0Wu5W7bat5

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) July 23, 2025

Hartenstein Is Bringing A New Game

The Thunder knew what they were getting when they signed Hartenstein in the 2024 offseason. The German big man showed off in his last year with the New York Knicks. His ability to run the ball as an offensive initiator was further explored with Oklahoma City.

Add the fact that his 255lb frame and seven-foot stature give him a much bigger chance to space the floor. Hartenstein is smart enough to work with dribble hand-offs, mostly with Jalen Williams for an easy pick-and-roll play. He’s even capable of running point center and providing unique offensive opportunities for Holmgren. But with both players out, it seems the Oregon native still plays at a high level.

Hartenstein is currently averaging 10.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. What’s impressive about it is that he’s shooting 63% from the field — a strong indicator of his efficient play with the Thunder. He’s constantly able to provide quick offensive moves, both in setting up teammates and even himself. Hartenstein is definitely making the most of the Williams’ injury and Holmgren’s brief absence.

Through the first 2 weeks of the season, OKC have slightly changed how they use Isaiah Hartenstein on offense, shifting away from DHOs to more traditional PnRs and positioning him more on the block. Here’s a mini thread breaking down that change pic.twitter.com/Y5qoAWqt5O

— Thunder Threads (@ThunderrThreads) November 3, 2025

Hartenstein’s Anchor Role Lives On

Sure, OKC may be running minutes for Jaylin Williams as a reliable second-unit big man. They’re also giving Branden Carlson some playing time when they want to give him a run. With Thomas Sorber redshirting his first season and Holmgren dealing with back soreness, Hartenstein passes as the next man up.

This mentality of the Thunder has been quite impressive. We have seen how players fill in whenever someone gets injured. Hartenstein embodies that mentality for OKC as well, which says a lot about how he continues to step up in his own way.

There’s no doubt that Hartenstein will continue to improve his level of play as the season progresses. The fact that he’s been able to stay consistent with his level of play is a strong message. He may not have huge games, but he still impacts the Thunder’s outlook this season. If anything, Hartenstein may well be bringing the Thunder to 70 wins and a championship.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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