The Oklahoma City Thunder will start the season without center Isaiah Hartenstein due to a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand, an injury he sustained during a preseason game in Denver.
On Thursday, the Thunder announced that Hartenstein, who suffered the injury in Tuesday’s matchup, will undergo re-evaluation in five to six weeks.
Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, Hartenstein was signed as a free agent during the offseason to bolster the Thunder’s rebounding efforts and address their size deficiencies, which were highlighted last season when they secured the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. In his previous season with the New York Knicks, he averaged 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, showcasing his potential to make a significant impact on the court.
