Former New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein will have to delay his regular season debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team announced on Thursday that Hartenstein suffered a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand during Tuesday’s preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Hartenstein will be re-evaluated in 5-6 weeks.
Isaiah Hartenstein suffered a hand fracture in the preseason
This is a significant setback not just for Isaiah Hartenstein but also for the Oklahoma City Thunder as a whole. The team has championship aspirations this season and was counting on Hartenstein to help create one of the league’s stronger frontcourts alongside Chet Holmgren. Now, they will be without a key contributor for an extended period.
Before the injury, Hartenstein demonstrated impressive versatility during the preseason, averaging seven points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, one block, and one steal per game across three contests. His presence was anticipated to elevate a promising Thunder team into title contention, as they head into the season viewed as one of the favorites in the Western Conference.
Hartenstein was a highly impactful player with the Knicks
Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder this offseason after spending the previous two seasons with the New York Knicks. Last season marked a breakout year for the seven-footer, which ultimately led to a lucrative payday in free agency.
He stepped into the starting role after Mitchell Robinson’s injury earlier in the season and maintained that position for the remainder of the year. During the regular season, Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds (a career-high), 2.5 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game.
Hartenstein played a vital role in the Knicks’ success, making his latest injury a significant loss for the Thunder. The hope is that he can return to the court as soon as possible.
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