Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein, one of the summer’s top free agent acquisitions, sustained a small, non-displaced fracture in his left hand during the second half of Tuesday’s preseason game in Denver. He will be reevaluated in five-to-six weeks, the Thunder announced on Thursday.
Given that timeline, Hartenstein will be sidelined until at least late November.
The injury temporarily derails Oklahoma City’s plans for a bigger lineup pairing Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. Oklahoma City was already dealing with frontcourt injuries — Jaylin Williams is nursing a right hamstring strain, while Kenrich Williams had a knee procedure last month.
Jalen Williams figures to reclaim the power forward starting role until Hartenstein returns.
Hartenstein had a breakout season with the Knicks in his walk year and cashed in, signing a three-year, $87MM deal with the Thunder that includes a team option for 2026/27. Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks in 25.3 minutes per game last season. He also started 13 postseason contests with Mitchell Robinson sidelined.
Hartenstein had appeared in three preseason games with the Thunder.
Karma baby.
strange and unnecessary comment .
What a silly comment. You really don’t understand the words meaning.
Naw you are just judgmental
Start the season already, players dropping like flies, injuries everywhere.
hell yeah
Weakest era ever