Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Signed Isaiah Hartenstein & Why It Works

[@ThunderXp]

Appreciate everyone that’s been watching the videos! If the season started tomorrow, what’s your preferred starting lineup?

[@colec1033]

shai j dub dort chet (hartenstein/caruso/joe) depending on matchup

[@JayElDiplee]

Chet Jwill Jdub Dort Shai

[@jeremymoots5681]

I'll go 2 deep. But first, I do think ousmane dieng takes a big leap this year and maybe even starts by 2026 SGA, Wiggins, Dort, JDub, Chet Cason, I. Joe, Caruso, Dieng, Hartenstein,

[@SpecOpsCM]

IHart at the 5 Chet at the 4 JDub at the 3 Dort at the 2 Shai at the 1

[@jausmy96]

SGA Caruso Dort Dub Chet and against bigger lineups you can have Dort or Caruso come off the bench and move Hartenstein to the 5 and do a double big lineup

[@keishawnleon481]

more OKC fans need to get put on to this channel. Excellent content!!

[@Wthele]

Literally just found him🤣

[@Darealmenxce]

Been here for a second

[@tschmoney9805]

I was JUST thinking this. After watching people immediately put them at 6, then come to their senses and rate them top 2 on Gil's channel tells me people still sleep. This breaks down why they were #1 despite the weaknesses and only strengthens the case that OKC has a system and players that work phenomenaly.

[@SamS-yd2xy]

Best OKC content I’ve ever seen. Fantastic work!

[@ThunderXp]

Only the best for the best 😎

[@dustintapp5230]

J will is underrated, his blocking and rebounding advancement at the end of the year. Plus him being one of the hearts of the team with Kenny hustle and being able to shoot the threemakes him a pretty solid piece moving forward.

[@zrod6348]

Love him! He learned a lot this post season too, I think he takes it to another level this year if he works hard

[@guidoguerrero7483]

Why does this channel not blown up. Great stuff

[@keithgardner4505]

As a Dallas Mavericks fan I recognized the quality of this signing right away. Dallas has Lively and Gafford and this means they always have a quality big on the floor. It just made a huge impact on the team. In the same way I see Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren and this will allow them to compete with Dallas, Minnesota, Denver, and the Lakers. Great move by the Thunder.

[@nm93932]

Sam Presti and the OKC team always many steps ahead. As time passes by we start understanding past moves that didn't make any sense.

[@natedavis64]

I had no idea that positional screens had a stat line but I love it!

[@chrisneedhamc3]

I originally took an interest in OKC because Josh Giddey went to the same primary school as my daughters... but despite the trade to Chicago, I'm sticking with OKC... what a fantastic future this team has to look forward to. And it's great to see the wisdom in the decision making - both on and off the court.

[@PivotMaster474]

Are your daughters ok?

[@Quentinthemudkip]

He’s innocent lol this is why false accusers need to get the same punishment they were looking for the other party. It ruins a man’s life, even tho he’s innocent lol

[@chadimus3396]

Whoever selects the music for these videos is the best. I love me some 80's synthwave.

[@MeekLeek007]

Awesome editing. Great Vid

[@ThunderXp]

Much appreciated!

[@noah_skilltr33]

This is the best channel dedicated to the Thunder by far. You’re an inspiration Royce!!! And the editing is top tier. Keep up the great work guys

[@Bdx357]

As long as OKC plays both Holmgren and Hartenstein together with heavy minutes to allow the chemistry and flow to develop they will be dangerous. Excellence takes practice, time, and experience

[@danielsong7454]

Just can't wait for the new season!

[@HGNR_OK]

good stuff. OKC needed to add more physical strength in the paint, because chet was outmuscled by many bigs. great addition.

[@lanierswinson1879]

Been an Okc fan since Supersonic days. One of the best Thunder Vids. Great breakdown of the IHart acquisition 👍

[@dylanhogan3]

And the Offseason Emmy for Best Sports Journalism and Animation goes to: Royce Young and Jeremy K Morton. Well done, it gets me hyped for these next few seasons. Every Knicks games I watched in the playoffs I'd unnecessarily shout at my TV to get him on the Thunder. Lesson learned if you shout things at NBA games long enough, Sam Presti will eventually make it happen.

[@benson5750]

The editing on this vid is crazy, can’t believe it only has 5k views😢

[@playboicartissock2340]

It’s kinda crazy how Cason Wallace makes more money than Jdub 😂

[@Toomuchmycuz]

Wow I’m glad the algorithm sent me to you! Longtime OKC fan and this channel is so good

[@assaf8016]

Brother that crazy good quality! Immediately subscribed

[@lukec2138]

This video got me so hyped I can’t wait till next season man 😮‍💨

[@61Wolves-yt4yk]

This video was well presented and very informative.. appreciate the in-depth coverage..keep them coming sir !

[@JakobArrue]

I got goosebumps watching that clip. As a German Basketball fan, I always wished that he could find a team that appreciates his skillset and gives him a role that this guy deserves. Thinking about him and Caruso joining such a talented team and be a great addition, I m really forward to watch some of their games.

[@ImAwakeOK]

Great production and the analysis was spot on! Excellent!!!

[@thinker.99]

Great video! Ive aleays loved the thunder and always will. Gained a new subscription!

[@kennybrooks8374]

I loved Kristic on the Thunder...especially on NBA 2K

[@karlgavin968]

Very good video my guy

[@youtubewatcherforfun]

Siiick editing. Easy sub on first video watching

[@colec1033]

ur channel is gonna blow up royce it's only a matter of time ur content is some of the best out there

[@ThunderXp]

Thanks! 🙏

[@AddiB58]

I your page has a lot of potential! Keep up the great videos Brodie ⚡️

[@siddnadeem1]

Finally my okc hub

[@jessefuller5728]

love the video quality, edits are super unique bro🧡💙

[@PapaFurnace]

Yeah you got a new sub here. Great video

[@Hrogthar]

Is this channel backed at all by the Thunder? Or is this a Royce passion project? Either way I love to see it, also snuck in a reference to the opera from the Pau Gasol fiasco back in the day haha that was great.

[@ThunderXp]

It’s just a little ol’ corner for me to put some thoughts down when I have a chance.

[@benjaminmartinez408]

This is the best video ive ever seen

[@Mateo-hq8fd]

Solid editing bro

[@Narkvaneni]

Great content as always, Royce. But you missed Felton and Alec Burks(anulled signing due to PG/Russ asking out).

[@georgevarden1291]

And D. Fisher.

[@Intothefunko]

What a awesome video all the way around

[@Wellingtonfun]

One year from now please come back to this comment Though I am a Thunder fan I am going with Sixers to win it all the reasons are below They needed to upgrade lou Dort position with with players who are able to guard all 5 positions and are better rebounder like Deni or Jonathan Isaac Even Kyle Kuzma would have helped I don't know why presti bets on players who can't shoot like ousman, terence ferguson, Westbrook opposing teams just gonna clog the paint I have never seen a bad 3 point shooter coming out college become a good 3 point shooter ever! This roster does not make them better than Boston or Sixers and won't reach even conference finals

[@RobCatacomb]

Hartenstein has got to shoot in OKC. They're not a cloggy lane big guy in the middle that can't shoot type of team. Hartenstein needs to do what he does while still spreading out and letting them know that he can shoot that three. It worked in New York but OKC needs him to spread out and shoot!

[@1O1O11]

48 minutes per game means that hypothetically both Chet and Hartenstein will be on the floor for 24 minutes minimum. Chet plays about 30 minutes per game. So there is going to be at least 6 minutes per game when Chet is playing the 4, not the 5. But that is the minimum based on Chet's numbers last year. When we look at the deal Presti offered to Hartenstein, it is starter level money. My personal speculation from the way Hartenstein has been talking, which might be totally wrong, but to me it seems like he wouldn't have taken the deal if there wasn't a good chance he was starting. He didn't talk like a guy who would be Chet's backup, and he isn't being paid that way either. So I think it is more reasonable to assume about 30 minutes for Chet 30 minutes for Hartenstein. With 12 minutes of Chet playing the 4. JWill plays about 12-14 minutes at the 4. Then you will also have lineups like Cason Wallace, Caruso, Wiggins, JDub, Chet Or SGA, Dort, Caruso, Wiggins, Hartenstein Basically OKC has the versatility to find many different matchups to throw off opponents matchups. Compared to last year where the Thunder were kind of stuck with the Center position. Now Chet could play Point Guard, and I would be fine with that.

[@ThunderXp]

Great points. Presti said it at Hartenstein’s introduction: last season OKC was unorthodox, now they are diverse. So many options.

[@cameronquarles9610]

Bro Chet Is A 4 Who Would Play The 5 In Them Other 12 Minutes, He Could Play Center When Hartenstein Is On The Bench, Then JWill And/Or Dillon Jones Can Be PF Off The Bench

[@locoballer95]

Very interesting, I love clear facts!

[@zeroforced1853]

Ayy! Great content! Easy sub ☑️

[@pidr9572]

amazed by the quality of video! would love if you didn’t only focus on the thunder. Also would reach more audience. Best of luck!

[@ibrahimkaleem907]

Is this the guy who also does social media for the OKC Thunder team?? I recognize this to be Royce Young I think. Keep up the good work.

[@CH-lx5pb]

I predict that Hartenstein is gonna play more like Brook Looez rim protection with 3pt shooting

[@jacksontobin6444]

Wow… this video is excellent. Not an OKC fan (not a hater either) but damn I’m a fan of this video

[@shawnspring4824]

Such a great pickup. Love that his passing is high level.

[@joshkeithley5405]

Was that Opera Scene a reference to Pau Gasol passing on OKC?

[@SheeeeeshClips]

Showing Hartenstein dunking on Chet is heartless lol

[@tar8ox159]

Opera scene. Lol!

[@scottpaddlety8741]

Was The Thick General a free agent signing? I'm trying to remember lol Loved Raymond Felton

[@ThunderXp]

Hmmmm I think you are right! I may have totally overlooked him. Video is completely invalid now.

[@MAXIMUSWE]

Crazy crazy overpay. There was dozens of other backup centers they could've signed for the minimum , let alone almost 30 mill 🤦‍♂️ Its possible they were mostly generating a huge trade chip for the deadline deals. I do like him as a spot starter / first big off the bench. Hes versatile defensively.

[@nicholasallison5050]

If you’re looking for me you might find me on my knees under Presti’s desk. With all these picks, the best PG in the league and championship level talent surrounding him, just how big is this championship window?

[@layback76]

The Thunder also signed Raymond Felton.

[@haraldhardrade7539]

30 millions per season for 6 point career bench warmer? Now that's insane

[@snuffedtorch3683]

Hartenstein was never getting attention for scoring prowess. OKC has plenty of firepower. They lacked on size and some interior defense. Hartenstein fixes that.

[@gregr28]

The second chance points is a little misleading. They were a top 3 team in shooting percentage and top 2 in 3 point percentage, so they had fewer misses and thus fewer opportunities for second chance points. On the other end, they were a top 3 defensive shooting percentage team, so their opponents had more misses and thus more opportunities for second chance. That's not to say they were good at it by any means. We all know that was a weakness and it bit them hard during that fluke of a Mavs series where somehow simultaneously they shot far before their average and the Mavs shot far above theirs. Live by the 3, die by the 3 after all. I was disappointed by the end to the season, but not disheartened. It took multiple anomalies for multiple games and they still only lost 1 game by double digits. I think they could have changed nothing and still been a serious title threat next year. But, this does go a long ways towards shoring up the holes that are left when they don't execute at their best. I think its more about elevating their floor than their ceiling, because their ceiling was already almost limitless. With this addition, they could become a Celtics level of dominant next season.

[@Goatlikeitornot]

🔥😎🔝

[@DeliaHolley-y2o]

Willms Lights

[@irvingzeistman9828]

Here’s there new nenad krstic

[@letroygoss9550]

Carmelo is the biggest free agent!

[@ThomasPendleton-k8x]

Waters Field

[@djmbenga4tw]

Nenad Krstic was not an offseason signing; he was a midseason signing.

[@ThunderXp]

So this is a good #wellactually and I thought about trying to make that clear but I more just meant true free agent signings. Nenad was coming from overseas so he fit the category in my mind… but a good catch regardless

[@djmbenga4tw]

@@ThunderXp ya know, upon rewatching that section you actually threaded that needle as well as possible (didn't notice the first time that krstic wasn't in the 6 offseason FA's list). great video as always

[@ThunderXp]

@@djmbenga4twha, I like the accountability!

[@ufo_vid9694]

Let's go Brandon!

[@TheDeven1000]

Is Patrick Patterson a bigger signing than Amo? Cuz Pat was ass

[@ThunderXp]

Mainly meant it in terms of the size of the contract

[@TheDeven1000]

@@ThunderXp oh ok I was thinking player impact and popularity. I don’t remember how popular Amo was back then, but I loved the dude. Before he got a little washed, he was a freaking sniper.

[@sabbathguy1]

Some "good off-seasoning" indeed!

[@lesterjohntalde296]

get russ back