Isaiah Hartenstein reveals the ‘promise’ that led to him joining the Thunder after beating Spurs in Game 2

OKLAHOMA CITY — When Isaiah Hartenstein agreed to a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024, GM Sam Presti made a promise to his new center. It had nothing to do with any assigned role from coach Mark Daigneault. Plucking the experienced 7-footer from the New York Knicks to add Hartenstein via free agency put the finishing touches on the franchise’s first championship roster. Now, Isaiah is playing a pivotal role in the Thunder’s hopes of winning back-to-back titles.

The journeyman who paved a career from overseas to the G League and onto a few NBA rosters made headway with the LA Clippers before becoming a reliable starter for the Knicks amidst Mitchell Robinson’s injuries. It caught Presti’s eye and led to the biggest payday of his career in Oklahoma City.

Hartenstein’s background fit the same mold as many of his new Thunder teammates, players who either came up through the G League or earned a meaningful role sooner than expected. As for Presti’s promise, Hartenstein, after short stints with the Houston Rockets and the Denver Nuggets before playing for the Clippers and the Knicks, believed in the Thunder’s vision, its foundation, and everything it stands for in terms of setting a standard for winning.

“The culture,” Hartenstein said. “That’s one thing that, when Sam Presti came to Eugene, Oregon, that was the first thing. He said I can’t promise you minutes. I can’t promise your role. But I can promise you a culture.”

Hartenstein would become the Thunder’s enforcer. A reliable big man who can clean the glass, set hard screens, and is a consistent lob threat. Fast forward to Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against All-Star Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, and you’ll see Isaiah disrupting the Spurs’ offensive rhythm, stringing together defensive stops, and playing over All-Star Chet Holmgren in the final stretch of the fourth quarter of Game 2’s 122-113.

“I think it was huge. I think in the first game, they were a little bit more physical than we were. So, just coming into this game, just wanted to establish that early, and just do whatever the team needs,” Hartenstein said. “I’m just one of those players that brings physicality to the game. And I think that’s just kind of what we needed.”

Hartenstein finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists in Game 2. After Daigneault admitted that playing Hartenstein for only 12 minutes in Game 1 didn’t feel right, he ensured the veteran center of a much more prominent role against the Spurs in Game 2.

Isaiah Hartenstein on Mark Daigneault, Thunder coaching staff

Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein didn’t protest his decreased role in Game 1 against the Spurs. Hartenstein is a firm believer in Daigneault’s approach to getting the most out of his players, and it worked again in the Western Conference Finals, where the Thunder tied its best-of-7 series 1-1.

“They make it so easy for you to come to work,” Hartenstein said. “And just focus on basketball.”

Hartenstein would do it again if Daigneault asked. Anyway, to help his team win.

“If you want to play a team sport, on a team like this, you have to put your ego aside and do what’s best for the team,” Hartenstein added.

Hartenstein and the Thunder will look to grab a 2-1 lead on the road against the Spurs on Friday.

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