OKC Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein Excited About a Lineup Next to Chet Holmgren

The Thunder's newest addition is looking forward to a lineup with two big men.

May 2, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the second half of game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Much ado has been made about Oklahoma City’s potential starting lineup. The team’s two newest additions, Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, are both starting caliber players who have played a handful of roles across their NBA career.

One thing is certain, though. Both players will have a massive role for the Thunder and fill a huge need. Caruso comes in as a connector and a knock down 3-point shooter. He’s also a terrific defender and plays a style of basketball that aligns with Oklahoma City’s philosophy. Hartenstein gives the Thunder a legit big man presence in the middle and much needed front court depth.

Chet Holmgren is known as a center and played a lot of minutes at the five last season. He clearly excelled, earning a spot on the All-Rookie First Team and helping the Thunder go from the play-in to the conference’s No. 1 seed. But when it came down to it, it was clear he could’ve used some help down the stretch. Now, he has that help with Hartenstein.

Many are projecting Hartenstein to come off the bench, which would bolster the team’s front court depth. But for the Thunder’s newest addition, he’s looking forward to something else.

“A lineup I’m also excited about is me and Chet together,” Hartenstein said. “I think having him have the ability to roam, like kind of how — different play style — but like you know how Giannis can roam? He can block shots, he’s just out there.”

Isaiah Hartenstein was on a Houston based podcast

Unprompted, he talks about how excited he is to get on the floor with Chet, and hopes to recreate the defensive front court magic of Giannis and Brook Lopez 😤#ThunderUp

Via: @ur_perspectives pic.twitter.com/JNPtDYQsnq

— ThunderChets (@ThunderChats) September 24, 2024

Holmgren has shown flashes of being an elite roamer dating back to his inaugural Summer League run with Jaylin Williams at center. Hartenstein could very well open something else up in Holmgren’s game this season.

Even if it’s not the starting lineup, it’s certainly a lineup we’ll see this season.

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