Oklahoma City Thunder big man Isaiah Hartenstein has suffered a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand, an injury that will keep him out of action for the next five to six weeks, after which he will be re-evaluated.
The setback comes at an unfortunate time for the Thunder, as they had high expectations for Hartenstein heading into the season.
Hartenstein, a skilled 7-footer who shoots with his left hand, was a major free-agent signing for the Thunder this offseason.
The team committed to him with a three-year, $87 million contract, hoping to bolster their frontcourt with his versatile skill set.
Whether as a starter or a key player off the bench, Hartenstein was set to play a significant role for Oklahoma City, offering rim protection, rebounding, and floor-spacing ability.
This injury also compounds the Thunder’s concerns in the center position, as Jaylin Williams, last season’s primary backup center, has been sidelined throughout the preseason with a lingering hamstring injury.
His status for the start of the regular season remains in doubt, leaving the Thunder potentially thin in the frontcourt as they prepare for the season opener.
With both Hartenstein and Williams out, Oklahoma City may need to explore alternative frontcourt options or rely on other players to step up in the meantime.
The timing of these injuries presents a challenge for the Thunder as they aim to compete in a highly competitive Western Conference.
Isaiah Hartenstein Out 5-6 Weeks Due To Left Hand Fracture https://t.co/ToCRFggXiF
— RealGM (@RealGM) October 17, 2024
