Stephen A. Smith’s INITIAL REACTION to Isaiah Hartenstein’s move to the Thunder 🍿 | First Take

On First Take, Stephen A. Smith offers his thoughts on Isaiah Hartenstein agreeing to a three-year/$87M deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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[@datsapaddlin6449]

The Thunder pulling some moves out here 👀

[@AnonymousUser-ss2qr]

clippers blowing it again

[@Toxic_1121]

They overpaid

[@ronm3034]

Bad move he not worth that much

[@critcritcrit465]

So annoying how they said nothing about the thunder

[@zebrajenks]

thunder making moves for years to come with all those saved draft pics and trades

[@DukesVerrill]

Thunder got Caruso and Hartenstein. I'm liking the moves, Chet and the crew finally got a big to help come playoff time.

[@paulwall7045]

Also them boys are young. They're only getting better and stronger themselves as is. Bright years ahead. I'd be shocked if OKC doesn't win a chip within these next 4 years. They got a full team.

[@Toast1659]

SHAI*** and the crew.

[@coltonjames6028]

Also keeping Joe & Wiggins! #thunderup ⛈️

[@ClareAmel]

@@Toast1659I like pancakes. “So you hate waffles?”

[@AndreGNSEntertainment]

2 good White players

[@DejounteMurray1]

Big Loss for the Knicks The Thunder defence is going to be crazy 🔥

[@DejounteMurray1]

Hol on lemme edit that​@@Jricks1992

[@RobbieStacks90]

Hartenstein could have taken a pay cut if he wanted to stay in NY. It was always about the money for him. Once these guys get their money, they take their feet off the gas pedal, even if only a little bit. The Knicks got immeasurably better by drafting Tyler Kolek, provided that they let him run the point and move Brunson over to SG.

[@w33518]

Pacers offense went crazy as well against iHart last post season😅

[@GreaterSociety]

​@@RobbieStacks90kolek aint starting

[@nelsonperez5289]

​@@RobbieStacks90Kid, Kolec is not running pt. Hartenstein wasnt making ant money and you want him to take a pay cut. LMAO. Other players would have to take that pay cut to pay Hartenstein.

[@MihoyMinoy-si8fb]

This hurts the Knicks big time. I know they extended OG and got Bridges but without Hartenstein they definitely seem less formidable. He was always coming up with clutch offensive rebounds, blocks and shots that kept the Knicks afloat. Their title chances just took a big hit.

[@vanessagrayman2194]

that part

[@Jeromeparker5150]

Not only that he was so durable. Mitch gets injured if he stands up the wrong way. Literally I'm so upset over this

[@hijoseph100]

I’m hoping Knicks pick up a solid back up center cause it’s a must. Ihart played important minutes in the Knicks playoff run and huge rebounds but imo I think our scoring got way better at a cost. There’s a tradeoff to everything. We’ll be aight. GO NYK

[@jagr06]

This actually helps the knicks, Isaiah while a good big was not a great shooter and he was a liability on the court at times. We need speed and scoring, if we can get another 6'7-6'9 who can do that while defend we're good.

[@Jeromeparker5150]

@@jagr06 ok who tf is that 6 7 who can do that?!

[@Big_Lou0824]

Presti is a man on a mission.

[@edwinpaduafontan4036]

Always has been… him and Daryl Morey are the best

[@cel8144]

As a Thunder fan watching this, it was pretty disappointing they made the whole segment about the Knicks, as opposed to talking about what he brings to OKC, but soon the light will shine on us and they’ll be forced to talk about the smaller market team again.

[@jagr06]

it's a 2 minute video, not much to add to that

[@Disneymagic24]

You gunna lose in the 2nd round again?

[@Darealmenxce]

You should know how they do us😂we was 1st place for 3 weeks and they was crying about Lakers and warriors and Celtics

[@paytonhurde4092]

I’m an OKC fan and a raider fan so I’m used to it lol😂

[@lucasmartinez5703]

It's OKC.

[@SSJRome]

And OKC still has assets available to make moves 🔥🔥🔥

[@mith2946]

No, this is the team now

[@Seidylasker]

They added Alex Carruso and Isaiah lmao. 2 of the most overrated players in the league. They're 1st round exits.

[@SSJRome]

@@Seidylasker and the casual of the year award goes to …

[@Seidylasker]

@@SSJRome Bet on them going to the finals then or even the WCF. Vegas agrees with me. What did Carusso do in Chicago? Nothing. Isaiah is an 8ppg role player.

[@SSJRome]

@@Seidylasker lol i don’t need to bet on them to do anything , and typical casual behavior bringing up points to describe a player that’s not known for scoring like that and what did Caruso do in Chicago ? Oh nothing but establish himself as a all nba defender 🙄

[@onlyfacts3178]

OKC is now the best defensive team..

[@tigerhoods7927]

Solid move. Chet’s got some serious backup now!

[@foxmoontp]

You mean Shai unless chet turns into KD or Larry bird it's SGA's team

[@StoveyStoveTop]

@@foxmoontphe probably means down low in the paint.

[@kaysheye7784]

@@foxmoontp Shai is not a big...

[@trillaverse1234]

He meant backup center not backup star

[@johnlinks]

terrible contract. the new timofey mozgov

[@Soadsgotaload]

So pumped for the Thunder they got two dogs this offseason!

[@cxthejokercx8302]

💀 they might get Eddey another 7 footer can u imagine

[@Soadsgotaload]

@@cxthejokercx8302 In a trade with the Grizzles?

[@supernotnatural]

Hartenstein is more valuable than Julius Randle. He does the little things on court that no one notices. Does the dirty work for others to shine. Steals, protection, extra possessions etc. OKC adding Caruso perimeter defense, Hartenstein and if they add Klay with perimeter shooting, they are the team to beat.

[@Bloomsburg14]

Yeah okay should go to Oka or Mac’s by okc seems like the better fit long term

[@NetConsole]

Holmgren needs to improve further if they should have a shot at winning conference. Nuggets are gonna be hungry for blood after last year.

[@will-zj5gq]

they aren’t adding klay

[@nochilllwill]

they don’t need klay, they just need ihart as a more physical rebounding presence and another body to throw at jokic

[@OGfly87]

Your out of ya mind!! Randle is 3xallstar and 2x allnba , hart was good not 29mil a yr good !!

[@leetraviusmckay314]

"way to go Shannon way to go" 😂

[@nakialawrence7340]

Uncle shay is gold 😂😂😂😂

[@natarajanb1905]

After Caruso & Hartenstein signing OKC is the outright favorite to come out from the West.

[@Jnoel608]

I think so too. They have been the most consistent team in the west and Caruso and Hartenstein makes them tougher. Nuggets lost KCP, and the Thunder got better. SGA might win MVP next season.

[@jagr06]

There definitely in a better spot but don't forget about Timber Wolves they made some moves even drafts the past 2 weeks.

[@Tsound1]

Naa Wb to the Nuggs. It's a Wrappp!! Can't wait

[@Ken.X414]

🤣😂 stop it

[@jarrettthomas4865]

⁠@@Jnoel608mavs got better, and mavs beat yall pretty easily..also Luka> Shai and lively> Chet

[@uncledrew4698]

I’m so ready for that Mavs rematch dawg

[@jarrettthomas4865]

It’ll be good, but you ain’t gonna pull for yourself? Uncle drew?

[@geronimo80140]

Stephen A didnt even know who hartenstein was halfway through the season

[@clesianvieira1]

Everything is made so easy to understand. Kudos!

[@rari1055]

This dude was super clutch last year. I watched the knicks all year, and he always came up with clutch rebounds and shots. Gonna hurt them more then they think.

[@batmanthegoat6196]

We gonna miss him but get precious back on this team and sign goga Bitadze. And thibs will figure it out.

[@rari1055]

@batmanthegoat6196 yeah they shud try to retain precious but they declined his qualifying offer. Hopefully they did tht cus they felt they cud sign him for cheaper.

[@Jayalexander63]

Mitch Robinson is an elite rebounder It only hurts then a bit offensively

[@camping2399]

Him and Chet gonna be crazy

[@jccarp2]

lol really? hartenstein?

[@MJ-pk4gh]

@@jccarp2 🙄

[@ErroneousMonk1]

Gigantic move for the Thunder. Caruso and now Hartenstein. Top 5 offense and defense has gotten even better with this signing and the Caruso trade. Amazing for Presti to pull this off and make Thunder fans happy.

[@babybenj52]

Big time! We now have a legit 10 man rotation.

[@vulcanraven9701]

yeah having Hartenstein and Chet at the C and PF positions will be rough for other teams. Plus OKC still owns a war chest of draft picks and have the best scouting gm

[@tims4502]

Caruso for Giddey and now Hartenstein as a FA? Amazing off-season right there for a team that is bound to have a ton of internal growth. Feels like a slight overpay, but makes sense for both Hartenstein and the Thunder to have a 3 year, not 4 year contract. Thunder will have some serious cap issues in a few years. It happens when you have lots of good players

[@paulwall7045]

They got a ton of draft capital and their scouts have proven to be amazing. By the time those issues are about to occur players would have been moved for young players on team friendly contracts and more assets. This team knows they're a small market team. Can't rely on free agents. They gotta keep this going.

[@tims4502]

@@paulwall7045 agreed. And with Hartenstein, my guess is they will draft his replacement next year or the year after. Give that player a year or two to develop and then take over once Hartenstein’s contract expires

[@vulcanraven9701]

yeah i think Presti will find a way to deal with the cap issues down the road. As long as they have good players secured for next several yrs they will be excellent team

[@samushunter0048]

Big loss, not sure what the Knicks were thinking not locking this dude up. Julius Randle and Josh Hart will have to go off this season on the boards

[@geronimo80140]

They offered the max they were allowed to

[@aliiihas]

Love how they only talk about how it affects the knicks, instead of the team that is getting the player. I love being a fan of a small market team where no one talks about the previous 1seed

[@matthewglover8804]

Lost Hartenstein and got two injured bigs...yikes 💀

[@slapshot68]

Could be 1st rnd exit nxt season, the Heat could beat them, possibly even the Cavs

[@fizzyfee12]

Huge loss for the Knicks, how can I-Hart not be a priority? He has a motor for the boards, plays the post-pass game very well, plays defense etc. But we would rather wait on the Julius Randles of the world? Cmonnnn

[@keithtestaverde3712]

He was a restricted free agent! Knicks literally could NOT offer him more than 72 million despite having the cap to do so. It's the rule.... they offered him the max money the CBA allowed right away but OKC is allowed to offer whatever the want. Stupid rule that punishes teams for developing players

[@Jayalexander63]

Do people think everyone can replicate what Julius Randle does? Don’t let 2 playoff series fool you

[@ShawnReed-ny1hd]

The knicks got relatively smaller...which hurts them against the bucks,sixers,pacers and especially the Celtics

[@w_out7631]

OKC can't keep getting away with this

[@kdub6898]

lol

[@sayot09]

Sam Presti is cooking

[@leetraviusmckay314]

"Perk that was supposed to be a quick take" 😂

[@BrianLockett]

Said the man who _never_ gives a quick take. 😅

[@danieltatum4262]

Stephen A is on one today 😂

[@karimw.9954]

Shai, Jalen, Lu, Alex, Chet, Cason, Isaiah, Aaron, Jaylin and Isaiah. That’s a 10 man rotation for the playoffs. Crazy. Still need a big wing though. Ousmane has 1 more year to earn minutes

[@spencerwarner9268]

The Thunder’s wings might be “undersized” but they (especially Dort and Caruso) are good at guarding players bigger than them. I don’t think they need Ous, as much as I wish he would’ve panned out.

[@karimw.9954]

@@spencerwarner9268 a bigger wing gives them more lineup versatility, which has been a perk for every championship team in recent memory

[@weijayclan2531]

@@spencerwarner9268 He still has time yo, Ous won Finals g-league mvp, I’m sure he’s gonna get minutes and contribute next season. He been developing well on the OKC Blue

[@spencerwarner9268]

@@weijayclan2531 maybe but I’m not gonna get my hopes up. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong.

[@Leekgocrzy]

The thunder gonna be crazy

[@harris2413]

OKC is my pick to win the championship next year.

[@drew0513]

I didn't know much about Hartenstein before the start of this past season, but I certainly came to appreciate his game as the season progressed. Really hoped that the Knicks could have been able to sign him, but I can't blame him--too much money to pass on. Wishing him well in the future. Mitchell Robinson--hope he's good to go this year.

[@rankobarensic]

Okc looking nice

[@JuliusSpin]

Okc is going for a ring

[@chessman5062]

Thunder gonna be fire

[@TheBrotherHoodSports]

No more rebounds for the Knicks.

[@TK-ow3nl]

Hart gonna have to grab 20 rebounds per game :D

[@yinkz15]

Yea big blow for them 🤦

[@stxcks23]

Randle averaged over 10 rpg and Josh hart is a good rebounder and og can rebound

[@HighStakesBBall]

OKC pulled a Celtics move just like Holiday and Porzingis.

[@kdub6898]

exactly

[@garyldickerson1]

Hartenstein and Caruso ever been all stars? Didn’t think so.

[@doncooper384]

Boston Celtics and the OKC Thunders in the NBA finals you can book it

[@weijayclan2531]

@@garyldickerson1They play like ones in their roles tho… Caruso an all nba defense team back 2 back. Hartenstein was literally an auxiliary battery for the Knicks doing all the little things IQ grit and tons of hustle on the offensive glass and defense being added to the best shooting team in the league and a bunch or 2 way 3 & D players with an MVP lvl superstar in Shai Okc is a title favorite you can’t deny it

[@waleomole319]

SAS is a casual fan

[@AznRza83]

As OKC fan , i couldnt be more happier.with the Thundersifnung him an SC Alex Crusso from Chicago.

[@ianraguse6455]

Im so excited. Thunder up

[@mikee405OKC]

Thunder Up

The second unit in OKC is gonna be good. I also think that Chet will have big jump on his second year, all star level. OKC will be again top 3 in the West.

[@SilasPrice]

Who'd knew Stephen A would be such a good Host.

[@brianhenry7983]

Okc is the favorite now, this guy will put them over the top

[@camnewton5550]

Thunder making moves to keep the momentum going

[@alfieb6711]

for some reason Stephen A is a lot more bearable without someone else hosting

[@kirkybaby3189]

Mr floater himself 😂

[@SmallWorld-ur7tl]

Okc gunna be niceeeeeee

[@vanessagrayman2194]

dayum

[@user-uh7mb3jb3t]

Stephen is funny hosting today with the warning and reprimands 😂 Nice touch. Molly is still missed in that host chair ...

[@wall1]

Molly is not missed she's ruins the show

[@ZoDrama]

OKC is the favorite for next year book it obviously health is a concern with Chet but he played every game last season

[@Sammy-sp6uc]

Why does it feel like every team in the east is getting better except for the Milwaukee Bucks. They are on the clock with Giannis. Lmao.

[@nicolasramirez6063]

Miami is in a coma right now

[@ikec4021]

Forreal bucks r trash they done. Lillard booty. No d.

[@alexcueto]

They’ve been failing Giannis

[@Gunner1302]

He's a future thunder. We'll live Ihart for picks and get him

[@vanessagrayman2194]

hmm hmm

[@BALLFORME]

There's a rare sight, Shannon Sharpe actually praising OKC

[@Najib72]

You guys remember when stephen a smith said "some guy named hartenstein" when mitchell was injured and he became our starter. This was after he got 20 rebounds lol.

[@jondoe5305]

Everyone getting better but my Lakers

[@user-vv6ot8dn8h]

As a Knicks fan i wish i hart luck and he got his bag good for him! I wish the thunder the best of luck but their fans should check ihart’s stats this is a terrible contract

[@Gunner1302]

Lmao this guy thinks we got him for his scoring. We got shooters everywhere, we need more size for rebounding and shooting. He has Shai, Dub, Chet, Joe, Wiggs, Cason, Caruso all ready to shoot. All he gotta do is give us rebounding and size vs bigs

[@GreaterSociety]

Spoken like a true casual.

[@GreaterSociety]

Spoken like a casual

[@RUSS0okcposterizer]

@@GreaterSociety why u say that twice and like ur own comment

[@RUSS0okcposterizer]

@@Gunner1302 yeah but u could get Drummond who is better at both those things for a fraction of the price

[@lonbwoy007]

OKC, Best team in the west right now.

[@TysonC-hl3fo]

Great fit

[@gurumelrose3728]

Good trade they need girth

[@keithtestaverde3712]

He was a restricted free agent! Knicks literally could NOT offer him more than 72 million despite having the cap to do so. It's the rule.... they offered him the max money the CBA allowed right away, but OKC is allowed to offer whatever they want. Stupid rule that punishes teams for developing players

[@DHKer23]

And then we find out the contract terms....Presti is a magician.

[@intothefrayyo]

Trading New York for OKC.. umm what? 😂🤣

[@jacobk8830]

OKC is a nice place to live and play

[@intothefrayyo]

@@jacobk8830 no.. lol. I was talking about the quote in the thumbnail

[@jacobk8830]

@@intothefrayyoahhh okay, yeah it’s a wild thumbnail 😂

[@Alexander-bc8dh]

29m for a backup center. its worth to live 3 years in OKC

[@Helloim_anthony]

What a change. Going from New York City to Oklahoma LOL

[@robcz3926]

okc is gonna go through the west like hot knife through butter

[@BlessedBrodie]

Guarantees the Thunder the #1 seed in the West

[@trill711]

Thunder a force to be reckoned with

[@phpmusic420]

Loved I.Hart last season 😢 I guess the OKC finna be unstoppable now

[@tenarvaez]

Is there a Ewing/Camby type Center out there that the Knicks can bring in?

[@douglashuston268]

The Thunder are killing the FA this offseason. And remember that Paul George going to Philly is a big thing for the Thunder because the own the Clippers picks the next 3 seasons!!!!

[@MiingoCrazy.]

SA couldn't wait to troll like this lol

[@Swampass78787]

It’s funny how everyone talks about a single player makes a championship team but in reality it’s the whole team and hardenstein was a really big piece to the Knicks

[@DannyUrena-b7f]

as a True KnicKs Fan. I Will Miss the Grinder Hartenstein. The Thunder Received a Great Rotation Player

[@prodbyDUTCHOFGOTHAM]

okc not playing

[@kandi303]

hate to say this, I am not confident at all about Mitchell's health, can he play most of the season? and now who do we replace Hartenstein? and are we trading Randel for a big?

[@beachavebaby]

Josh hart finna be a 6’4 back up center 🤣 his health ain’t looking to promising rn

[@bmk2561]

why i feel like the way okc is being built is similar to the wolves two way star guard (shai, ant) all defense level perimeter defender (dort caruso, mcdaniels NAW) all defense level rim protector (chet, gobert) second star stretch four (jdub, KAT) and now 6th man center (ihart, naz reid)

[@hestilllives192]

I feel like that's the formula for any championship team: Superstar, defensive menace, secondary star creator, rim protector, and then as many shooters with good defense as you can find. To be honest, I've thought the past year the Celtics just built an All-Star version of the Thunder and that's what they can be in a few years.

[@bmk2561]

@@hestilllives192 yeah but i do think they have a kind of pressure to win anytime soon, because some of these players would want to get paid later on which might be tricky if they want to keep their core players

[@inigomontoya4032]

OKC still gonna fail the exam but I love I Hart. Best of luck Sir.

[@GrizzTurner]

I’ve been a Thunder fan for about 5 years now. I know, I know, you’re like “5 years?!?!”. I was a Bulls fan as a kid. I grew up on MJ. Back then, Chicago’s WGN was the only channel I had to watch NBA during the weekdays. NBC had the weekend covered but they only started showing games at Christmas until the end of the season. NBC was the only place to watch the playoffs. So, I was exposed to Jordan in the latest 80’s and feel in love with Bball. So, I felt that I needed a new team. I liked OKC’s team after Durant and Westbrook departed. Now, I’m elated with what the team has become.

[@babybenj52]

Nothing wrong with that...Thunder Up! I was a big Gary Payton fan so the Sonics became my favorite team. Then Penny and Shaq caught my eye and I became a lightweight Orlando fan who also fell in love with TMac's game when he came along. Soon the Sonics were moved to OKC and naturally I've been a fan since.

[@lesterjohntalde296]

been a fan for 14 years lezgooow!!!

[@PharaohLawLess1]

We’re gonna miss Hartenstein 😢

[@amirianozakwano]

Hopefully my Knicks with their squadron of wing defenders, they can go over the hump. Can't wait for the new season!

[@corymoon1445]

I just want to know who the starting 5 for OKC is going to be is it going to be Alex coming off the bench or Isaiah coming off the bench?

[@kdub6898]

Dort starting at the 2....Alex and Joe coming off the bench!

[@JustinPaul2309]

Knicks lack a healthy consistent Center

[@bigbertha8]

Good get by OKC

[@brittsavage7982]

This will hurt the Knicks during the playoffs! 😮

[@user-nc2ws5ed9b]

What a great black man

[@jordanrobinson75]

THUNDER UP ⚡️

[@garrysaint-vil725]

Pikachu

[@Travis89-ob5tt]

Orlando adding 2x champ KCP to their extremely young team is another great move.

[@nathanieljohnson2027]

The Oklahoma thunder would like to announce the parade route for are upcoming championship.

[@djpanaligan1775]

This really hurts but I guess that's the price for retaining OG and getting Bridges, but Hartenstein actually got better in his time with the Knicks, hopefully whoever replaces him will have the outcome

[@andredornelles8014]

Let Hartebstein win, bro just want a shot a winning something. Can’t hate on that

[@XxXTank9000]

Mitch is better not worried about

[@BarnzTT]

This is a huge hit for the Nicks. The dude can also pass, and seems to have a high IQ. While OG seems to be always injured......

[@JK_073]

Thunder making the perfect moves. These guys are a genuine threat to Celtics now. We’re in the era of above average role players, these guys are at the peak of that

[@Foxhole1776]

Dam I miss hartenstein man

[@MJ-pk4gh]

Now get Lauri, and we'll call it a day.

[@michaelmcphee2006]

It may seem like an overpay, but now they have a good player they can pair with a bunch of draft picks/young assets to get a star and have the salaries match up.

[@jeremiahbesses9538]

Crazy we out here building a dynasty and they don’t even wanna give time to talk about it fr

[@adaneureste9152]

I think when Randle comes back it’s gonna disrupt Knicks offense. He tends to fall in love with outside shooting but needs to play bully ball inside the paint. If so, then they can be a more solid team with his cast mates.

[@nated7885]

His floaters nasty