Committed defense, a relentless motor, and an impeccable talent for dirty work are what defines Isaiah Hartenstein. He won’t light up the scoreboard, but he will stuff the rest of the stat sheet. He’s a true enforcer on the defensive end, unafraid to put his body on the line in service of winning. What he lacks in scoring chops, Hartenstein compensates for with … everything else. Screens, passing, spatial awareness. It’s all there.
- Chris Kline
FanSided Staff Writer
Hartenstein’s points come primarily on dunks and little soft hooks, but he still makes his presence amply felt. Every screen is appropriately angled and palpably physical. He creates countless driving lanes for OKC’s guards. Every pass is well-considered and optimally placed. He’s a wizard in two-man actions around the elbow, making excellent use of his wide frame. Hartenstein has the coordination to point his head down and nuzzle his way into a post-up. He can also gift-wrap points for a cutter or locate the open shooter on the opposite wing.
The German 7-footer is one of the very best rebounders in the league — on both ends — and his hands are everywhere on the defensive back line. Hartenstein has enough hops to get vertical, but it’s his lateral agility and impeccable positioning that make him so effective on defense. He’s always in the right spot, ready to strong-arm a slashing guard or stonewall a diving big. Master of small things, Hartenstein will find a way to impose his will on a game.