Another blow from the upstart Thunder: The emergence of Isaiah Hartenstein

of Oklahoma City Thunder They’re not holding their heads high after playing in the conference semifinals eight years later, and they’re looking to fix the shortcomings of an upstart team as quickly as possible: Alex Caruso is coming in to replace Josh Giddey. Isaiah Hartenstein.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Thunder signed the German center to a three-year, $87 million contract after not renewing his contract. New York Knicks. One thing that was evident in the playoffs was that coach Marc Daigneault’s team had added size with the German player, something that was missing in their tied second-round game against Germany. Dallas Mavericks (4-2).

From Hartenstein 26 yearsIn the postseason, he averaged 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per 30 minutes while shooting 59% from the field. He doesn’t have a triple, but he would certainly be a backup center. Chet Holmgren He has size that the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft lacks.

After firing Josh Giddey, whose lack of offensive production had been an issue in the playoffs, the Thunder beefed up Holmgren and a group of role players around him. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. And best of all, they haven’t spent a dime of their abundant draft capital, something that’s important both as they continue to build their team and as they consider making some great moves for the future.