The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder have carried out an amazing job, including the proper position gamers to encompass their already spectacular younger core of expertise.
After ending tied for the very best file within the Western Convention final 12 months, the Thunder made a strong transfer to amass defensive stalwart Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls. Oklahoma Metropolis additionally did effectively within the draft, including a promising younger guard later within the lottery with Nikola Subject.
They’ve since reportedly signed former New York Knicks huge man Isaiah Hartenstein, who had a breakout season in 2023-24. Put all of it collectively and all of those strikes are sound, financially savvy, and in addition handle the problems that they bumped into throughout the postseason.
BREAKING: Free agent middle Isaiah Hartenstein plans to signal a three-year, $87 million take care of the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, sources inform @TheAthletic @Stadium. Hartenstein departs the Knicks for an unlimited contract and offers OKC a brand new anchor inside. pic.twitter.com/DptmkuaP3v
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2024
Different organizations pursued greater stars and made splashier strikes than the Oklahoma Metropolis entrance workplace did thus far this offseason.
However these groups should clear their books and consolidate their rosters to make room for his or her new additions, probably sacrificing obligatory depth within the course of.
This staff had already re-signed essential gamers such Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, too.
The Thunder nonetheless have everybody who performed a optimistic position on their roster however made the appropriate strikes across the edges to enrich the group that has performed so effectively collectively. This continuity will hold the chemistry sturdy because the gamers proceed growing one another.
There have been 9 gamers to file a minimum of 70 complete blocks and 70 complete steals this previous season.
Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso had been amongst that group.
Each are actually on the Thunder.
— Matt Williams (@StatsWilliams) July 1, 2024
Nevertheless, gamers corresponding to Hartenstein and Caruso will possible enhance the general productiveness on either side of the court docket as they give the impression of being to make a fair deeper push within the playoffs.
Hartenstein isn’t your conventional star signing that “wins” throughout free company. However together with his measurement and ability, he’ll add a obligatory edge as a rebounder and a defender whereas additionally profiling with a formidable mix of passing and scoring on offense as effectively.
Caruso, in the meantime, is among the bester perimeter defenders within the NBA. He’ll match like a glove round Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. It’s a good time to spend money on Oklahoma Metropolis’s future.
