Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein recently shared his perspective on the NBA’s most difficult players to defend, naming Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic as his toughest assignments.
Speaking on Gil’s Arena, Hartenstein was asked which player presents the biggest challenge for him defensively. He explained that both Embiid and Jokic pose unique problems, making them the most difficult big men to guard in the league.
Hartenstein, who won an NBA title with the Thunder this past season, said, via HoopsHype, “When Joel was healthy, just straight one-on-one, I think Joel Embiid. It’s hard because you can’t really be physical with him because he’s good at drawing fouls, so strong and can just do it from all angles.”
The 26-year-old also highlighted Jokic’s elite playmaking as what separates the two. “Nikola Jokic is just hard to guard because he’s so good at passing,” Hartenstein noted.
Since signing a three-year, $87 million deal with Oklahoma City last summer, Hartenstein has emerged as a key contributor for the Thunder. In his first season with the team, he averaged 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while helping the Thunder to a Game 7 Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers.
In the championship clincher, he recorded seven points and nine rebounds, solidifying his role as a dependable presence in the paint. His defensive prowess and rebounding made him an integral part of the Thunder’s title run.
Throughout his career, Hartenstein has built a reputation as a tough interior defender and high-energy big man. Still, facing Embiid and Jokic remains a daunting task even for a championship-level center.
