The Oklahoma City Thunder will be beginning the upcoming season without one of their new players, as announced on Thursday. Isaiah Hartenstein sustained a non-displaced fracture in his left hand during a preseason game on Tuesday and will undergo re-evaluation in 5-to-6 weeks.
Hartenstein was signed by the Thunder in early July to a three-year, $87 million contract. He was expected to be the starting center for the team and help address their rebounding deficiencies. Last season, OKC ranked 27th in the league in rebounding, while Hartenstein achieved career-best numbers in that category with the New York Knicks, averaging 8.3 rebounds per game.
The Thunder, who had the second-best record in the NBA last season with minimal disruptions due to illness and injury, are facing a different scenario at the start of the 2024-25 season. With Hartenstein sidelined until at least November, Jaylin Williams nursing a hamstring strain, and Kenrich Williams recovering from a knee procedure, the team will need to rely on their depth and hope for a strong performance.
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