Thunder lose notable free-agent acquisition to injury

The Oklahoma City Thunder will have to begin the 2024-25 season without one of their biggest offseason additions.

The Thunder announced on Thursday that center Isaiah Hartenstein had suffered a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand. Hartenstein will be re-evaluated in five-to-six weeks with the injury in the second half of Tuesday’s preseason game against the Denver Nuggets.

The 26-year-old Hartenstein and guard Alex Caruso were one of OKC’s two major acquisitions this summer. As a true seven-footer who can finish at an elite clip around the rim, dominate the offensive glass, and defend the interior, Hartenstein was a standout performer for the New York Knicks last year, posting 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.

With the Thunder lacking a true big man last season outside of Chet Holmgren, adding Hartenstein was much-needed. But with the season now set to begin in one week, OKC may be without Hartenstein for their first 20 or so games. They will need to roll with Holmgren at the five and the 6-foot-5 Jalen Williams at the four again and might even have to consider circling back to this old frontcourt trade target.