Oklahoma City’s front court has been a topic of discussion for the last few years now. Before Chet Holmgren entered into the equation, the team was committed to playing a devastating version of small ball that forced many turnovers and encouraged a fast pace. This also led to the Thunder being undersized and out-rebounded most nights.
When Holmgren entered the fold, everything changed. The Thunder evolved from a play-in team to No. 1 in a loaded Western Conference. In the playoffs, though, the effects of having just one big option on the floor was on display. Oklahoma City couldn’t survive the minutes with Holmgren on the bench, and it was clear that the team would benefit from having another option.
Then, the team made its biggest splash of the summer. Signing Isaiah Hartenstein to a massive contract was so smart for this team, and it has looked like a perfect fit on paper. The problem that the team couldn’t plan for is the world where Holmgren and Hartenstein both miss time. That has happened early on in the season, and Oklahoma City has handled it surprisingly well…